According to the site where they have news of fights, Tarver has run into "licensing problems". Eh? Too old, too unhealthy, or what? At any rate, he is out of the fight.
Yeah, they found a replacement opponent for Travis Kaufman. Tarver's doing fine though, he just picked up a commentary gig with BKFC.
I would guess it has to do with his age and inactivity. Tarver will be 50 in November and he hasn't fought in almostt three years.
Seems bizarre he found out so late? Surely he would've applied long before fight night? Has the licensing body had a rethink following negative publicity?
I think Tarver was probably cherry-picked because he's kind of a name - but not a threat given his age and inactivity. I'm glad he didn't get a license to fight; at this point there's not enough PEDs in the world... Kauffman weighted in yesterday at a slightly-heavy (for him) 242 lbs. That's about 11 or 12 lbs more than he weighed for the Mansour bout last year. Travis is a good boxer/counterpuncher - but his workrate tends to fall off pretty sharply after 5 or 6 rounds. His opponent - Scott Alexander - is a pretty typical American HW story. He's a very good athlete who didn't quite make it playing ball and stick sports - so he picked up boxing in his early 20s. Alexander's last meaningful bout was against LaRon Mitchell. He was landing the heavier punches, but was getting backed up all night and giving Mitchell (who's been boxing a long time) lots of opportunities to score. Like I said - a "typical" familiar American HW story. Kauffman should be able to build a lead on the cards early. He might even be able to stop Alexander if Scott creates big opportunities for him. BUT Scott Alexander might have his chances in the last 1/3rd of this bout if he can prevent Kauffman from coasting. And that extra ~12 lbs Kauffman's carrying could be the difference.