26.05.06 – Norman Horton: Good afternoon and good morning to some. This is Norman Horton. I would like to welcome all members of the media who are participating in this call today. We’ve on the line, Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver, the light heavyweight champion, the last people’s champion. We’ve Joe DeGuardia, president and CEO of Star Boxing, promoter for Antonio Tarver. We will have an opening statement by Antonio and Joe and at that time, we will open it up for questions. Antonio?
Antonio Tarver: I would just like to welcome everyone to the conference call, the media for — to thank them for their interest and all their hard work that they are doing to make sure that the fight gets the notoriety and the publicity that it deserves and so far, so good. I would like to thank Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, an association with De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotion as well as the Borgata — the Atlantic City casino and spa for doing such a tremendous job in just taking this fight to the masses. I’m — just thank you, thanks a lot, I appreciate it and welcome.
Male Speaker: Joe, do you have something to say?
Joe DeGuardia: Yeah. I would like to thank everybody also. This is Joe DeGuardia. This is a phenomenal thing, fantastic fight, it’s titled as you know, “Fight To The Finish” and we had the luxury in this particular fight of having two world calls athletes who have been said to transcend boxing and it’s fitting and we are really pleased that the media — well, you’ve seen this fight for what it is and it’s a great fantastic fight which is something that’s positive for boxing and these guys are certainly two role models in this sport. I want to thank HBO Pay-Per-View, recognized everybody that this show will be televised on HBO Pay-Per-View, be available to over 56 million Pay-Per-View homes and it will be available in high definition TV for those viewers who can receive high definition. It will start at nine O’clock, (indiscernible) just a retail price of 49:95. This fight is billed to take place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The doors will open at 06:30, 07:00 pm is the first fight and 09:00 pm, we go again, once again live on Pay-Per-View. Ticket sales have been brisk to say the least, we are sold out of the $50 ticket, we are sold out of the $100 ticket. We’ve some tickets left at the top price which is 750 and then, there are a few tickets left at the remaining ticket prices that being 600, 400 and 200. So, ticket sales have been going fantastic and it’s attributable to the these special athletes, this special fight and also in the recognition of all you guys have given this fight of being “the most viewed fight of the year”. I want to thank you for that and welcome you all on board.
Male Speaker: Okay, at this time, we will take the first question.
Operator: Our first question or comment comes from Gwen Tarver.
Gwen Tarver: Hi Antonio.
Antonio Tarver: Hi mom, how are you doing?
Gwen Tarver: Oh, I’m doing fine. Just wanted to know, you seemed very relaxed the other night on HBO. So, how are you feeling mentally as well as physically — I know you are ready, but how about mentally? Are you as relaxed as you appear to be?
Antonio Tarver: Yeah, very relaxed. I’m very — lot of hard work, you know how it is.
Gwen Tarver: Yeah.
Antonio Tarver: A lot of special fights in that, we are ready to go mom, and look forward to celebrating once again with the family and doing what we are doing, just take care of business. So –.
Gwen Tarver: Okay. I want to just take this opportunity to thank all that has made everything possible for you, Buddy McGirt, Joe DeGuardia, Norm, all the good work everyone has put in. But, I want to just take one quick second to say this to you as my son. I feel very saddened that you still have to speak up for what you feel is right. But, I’m just glad that you’re very keen and you speak from the heart. Your confidence is very high and I want to say that I love you, I wish the best for you, come June 10th, and I’m very, very proud to say that you’re my son. You have made me a very proud mom. And I just want to thank you, just want to thank you for all that you’ve done for me, to make my life better. And to everyone involved, I just thank you. And so, now, you have blessing and stay (indiscernible).
Antonio Tarver: Thank you, I appreciate that.
Gwen Tarver: Okay, bye-bye, thank you all.
Operator: Our next question or comment comes from (Franklin McNeil) from the North (indiscernible).
Franklin McNeil: Hi Antonio, how are you doing?
Antonio Tarver: Hi, I’m doing good, how are you doing?
Franklin McNeil: I’m all right man. Hey, I have two questions. I will make it quick. The first one has to do with Bern said anything that you’ve put in the back of your mind, that you plan to make him pay for saying?
Antonio Tarver: I mean he has said some things in the past. We’ve — this is like our third or fourth going down this verbal warfare that we’ve had on different internet sites and stuff where we talked about fighting a year or so ago, but you know, those things — those are just words. Like I say, when we get to this level, we know it’s (indiscernible), man versus man. And he is out to prove that he is the better man, I’m out to prove that I’m a better man. We know what we have to go through in order to make that happen and this is a sport and like I said, whatever Bernard says really don’t mean a hell of being to me. It all matters what happens and take place on June 10th in that ring. And I know what I’m coming to do, I know how hard I’ve worked and I know what my goals and dreams are. And you know, for Bernard Hopkins at any stage in his career to feel that he could come and take anything from me is personally is absurd to me. You know what I mean.
Franklin McNeil: Uh-huh.
Antonio Tarver: I don’t know what he saw in all these other fighters that kept up and try, what he saw in them that he obviously — what he saw in me that he didn’t see — that he obviously feel that would be different is beyond — like I’ve said, people look at me, they never can tell I’m 37 years old, when you look at the activity that I fight with, you know, you saw the Roy Jones’ second fight and you saw the first one. I mean, you saw me fight different styles. I’ve been successful at all the styles. So, styles make fights. I’m able to adapt on the ring and that contribute to my boxing ability. No, I’m not no face first fighter, I don’t know why people feel that boxers being boxers can’t be intelligent and use their minds, the greatest tool that God gave us in the ring. You know what I’m saying.
Franklin McNeil: Uh-huh.
Antonio Tarver: And so, my only thing is that I’m just trying to bring a different — trying to show these people a different level of the game, just take boxing to a new height and to show these people that we are intelligent human beings. I mean we don’t have to use our face to be applauded — to be considered a good fighter, great fighter. You don’t have to go through hell and back, get your nose broke, cut our lip and look like — to be considered a great fighter.
Franklin McNeil: Right.
Antonio Tarver: When you look at boxing and you look at other sports, boxing is one of the most — I mean, the sport that you have to use your mind more so than anything rather than you know — even though you’re physically involved, but you’ve to use your mind. And when you look at sports, I think it’s second to only chess that you have to be a thinker in the ring. But, then, we never get credit for that. You know, all they know is blood, they want to see blood, they want to see hit, they want to see somebody knocked out unconsciously. But, you know, my only thing is that — the reason that I’ve had longevity in this career and why I’ve been so successful is because the greatest tool God gave me was my mind and that’s what I use in the ring more so than anything. So, you’re going to have to beat me physically and then, you’re going to have to outthink me in order to be successful. And right now, I’m at the top of my game, I don’t see it happening.
Franklin McNeil: Okay, one last question. Bernard has — Bernard talked about accomplishing something that (indiscernible) could not do. What do you hope to accomplish with the one with Bernard Hopkins?
Antonio Tarver: Once again, this is a — you know, this is just — put on a great performance, I mean, one that will be talked about for years and years, do something that’s never been done before, I mean. But, the thing — the puzzling thing to me is that every time I fight someone, they want to look at all the negatives in my opponent. But, they don’t want to look at the positives in me.
Franklin McNeil: Right.
Antonio Tarver: Now, people want to say that Bernard Hopkins is over the hill, he is old, but he was too old when Jermain Taylor was fighting, a guy that’s 10 years my youth.
Franklin McNeil: Uh-huh.
Antonio Tarver: So, you know, my whole thing is that Bernard Hopkins, he is coming with all his legendary status, he is coming with the nasty Philadelphia type of reputation that he has and he is still the same guy. And so, that will have to — they will have to compare our fight on June 10th to all the other fights that you’ve ever seen, the Trinidad fight, the De La Hoya fight, the Taylor fight and the Roy Jones fight, you will have to compare. And I promise you, you will never see what you see on June 10th ever before, at any time in Bernard Hopkins’ career. That means, you won’t ever — you have never seen him out-manned, out-depth, out-strengthened, out-boxed, outclassed in straight flat knockout. So, that’s what I have to prove.
Franklin McNeil: Thanks so much guys, thanks a lot.
Antonio Tarver: Thank you.
Franklin McNeil: Okay.
Operator: For those of you who’ve joined us late, if you would like to ask a question or make a comment, please press “7” on your touchtone keypad. Our next question comes from Jack Mccaffrey from Sports Talk.
Jack Mccaffrey: Hi Antonio.
Antonio Tarver: Hi Jack, how are you doing?
Jack Mccaffrey: All right, thanks. Wouldn’t some of the — using your brain and the gift God gave you, in your experience who are the better boxers in history that were thinking and boxing, that were able to use their brain the way you would like to be able to — you recognize as doing that?
Antonio Tarver: I mean — yeah, it goes without saying — I mean, you have to say the guys like I would say, (Duran) early on when he was at his prime in light weight, Mohammad Ali was a thinking fighter, you got to look at guys like — the one guy that comes to mind, Sugar Ray Leonard of course, and you know, guys that really got away with — lot of times, didn’t have the best physical, but they’ve just outfought their opponents, they were always two or three steps ahead of the game, even when they were thought to — a fighter who was on their same level, they were able to get away with that. Roy Jones Jr. early on when he was middle way earlier on in light heavyweight, just thinking fighter, outfought, out-flicked, outclassed guys just with his mind. I mean, I can go on and on, some of the best thinking fighters in my era and of the past.
Jack Mccaffrey: Would Bernard Hopkins be on that list at some point?
Antonio Tarver: At one time, yeah. I think Bernard Hopkins have outfought a lot of guys, outsmarted a lot of guys and tricked a lot of guys, you know, set guys up with his mind, yeah, you can put Bernard Hopkins on that list, sure.
Jack Mccaffrey: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question or comment comes from (John Cody) from the St. Petersburg Times. Hello Mr. Cody, your line is open.
John Cody: Hello?
Operator: Your line is open sir.
John Cody: Antonio, how are you doing?
Antonio Tarver: How are you doing? I’m good.
John Cody: Hey, you talked a lot about the respect issue and people looking for the negative in your opponent and stuff like that. Why do you think that it is? Have you ever tried to figure out why that is?
Antonio Tarver: I mean, I don’t know, man. I’m cut from a different plough I guess and I’m who I’m. I mean, (indiscernible) segment. I mean, I feel that if people don’t know by now, they will never know and you can’t educate everybody, you know what I’m saying. But, they will look back in time and they will understand. I just want to continue to be successful, continue to keep piling up these victories. As long as I do that, I’ve more opportunities to just perform and put my tone on display.
John Cody: How do — do you — do that bother you?
Antonio Tarver: I just said no. I mean it’s not about that anymore, you know what I mean. I know that people — some people — the people that matters appreciate my ability and my skill and that’s why people are called critics because they are there to criticize and you’re going to always have those people out there and that doesn’t matter anymore.
John Cody: That’s what the –.
Antonio Tarver: Most of my opponents respect me at the end of the day.
John Cody: What is your opinion on the weight issue? Lot of people are talking about Bernard moving up, you moving down, how do you think that factors into this fight?
Antonio Tarver: I’m not moving down. I’m — I’ve always been light heavyweight, my whole –.
John Cody: Right. But, I mean, (indiscernible) put on weight for your role in Rocky?
Antonio Tarver: Part of our job. And I mean we’ve got to lose weight. I mean we all lose weight. That’s not a problem. Only people like Roy Jones who you make excuses for, you know what I’m saying. I don’t have a problem with it, I’m lean, mean, I’m ready to go. I wish to fight this weekend. I’m leaving — I’m going to the gym 180 — 280 and leaving the gym 178, I’m ready to fight, man, I’ve no excuses, not problems, you let them put that in their mind. They want excuse to say something. I don’t have a problem, I’m staying up much more positive, I’m training five to 10 rounds — 10 rounds, 30 secs and not even breathing hard. I wish to fight this weekend if we can get just (indiscernible). I’m ready.
John Cody: As far as if you were just viewing another fight, not yours, do you think there is an advantage either way to a guy who has to come up in weight or a guy who is fighting the guy who is lighter?
Antonio Tarver: That depends on a guy’s mettle. I mean if a guy is weak, he is going to be weak regardless. I mean, he is going to be weak physically, mentally, just he is going to be weak, but that’s not me. I mean, like I’ve said, I’m focused. I know what’s in front of me and I know the things that I want to have (indiscernible). I know the opportunity is out there that is just for me and I’m not going to sleep on that, you know, I’m not going to sleep on that. And so, I’m comfortable where I’m at, I like it up here and I’m not coming down. And that’s why I work so hard and (indiscernible) that’s when you get knocked off.
John Cody: Thanks Antonio.
Antonio Tarver: Yeah.
Operator: Our next question or comment comes from Dan (Rothwell) from ESPN.
Dan: Hi Antonio, how are you today?
Antonio Tarver: Good Dan, how is it going?
Dan: Pretty good. Antonio, I heard your interview on HBO the other night and I’ve certainly heard this from you many times. You talked about as John alluded, to the respect factor. And I’m just wondering, there is not a single person, boxing fan, press or otherwise that doesn’t regard you as the number one fighter in your division at a 175 pounds, doesn’t regard you as one of the top fighters in the world. So, I’m wondering where is the respect lacking if you could articulate why you think that respect is lacking because I know, it’s certainly not –?
Antonio Tarver: I’ve to be in the top three.
Dan: Okay.
Antonio Tarver: That’s number one, two and three. And whoever else you have below that, (indiscernible) it’s not possible. Well, that’s really I feel in my heart man, because I just don’t — I don’t see it, I don’t see it. I think when you look at my gamesmanship, craftsmanship, my punch and power, I mean, the things that I had to overcome to get to where I’m at on my own with my hands — and my own two hands, nothing else, I mean, it’s incredible. Guys don’t get to where I’m at the way I had to do it. And I’ve beaten everybody in front of me. They can talk about who I haven’t — I’ve beat them all, I’ve beat them all and so, there was no one left. And so, that’s my whole thing. I’ve dominated this division and so — but, my whole thing is — like I say, I’m going to be successful. You look back and do a ’96 Olympic, where are they now? And you tell me how I’ve got my steps from where I’ve come, no, I haven’t.
Dan: So, really, it’s not a matter of — it’s a matter of you’re in the top pound for pound from everybody, you just — you believe you should be higher than every –?
Antonio Tarver: I’ve to be number one, I’ve to be number two and number three.
Dan: Well, I don’t think you can take up three slots.
Antonio Tarver: I know that.
Dan: Let me ask you another question about the — not so much the difference in the weight between you and Bernard, but — not to say that it’s easy for you, but can you just talk about the process of losing, whatever the amount of weight was — you were looking pretty beefy when you were at the Rocky movie in December. I know, you had dropped in weight, I know you’ve done it before, so this is not the first time that you’ve done that. What is that’s been like? I mean, we thought for another fight that’s going on next week, (indiscernible) you coming down to make a light weight — and he was talking about how difficult it was and not an easy thing to do, but he was doing it because he wants to make that weight, win that title. Can you talk a little bit about that?
Antonio Tarver: My whole thing — and this is the way I would sum it up. It has been hard work, but I’ve never been afraid of it. I look at it as a challenge and I look at it as you know what, if I can get there healthy and I’m not losing the weight — I mean, I don’t know the when the last time I put on (indiscernible) I just work and my schedule is what it is. I mean I train three times a day. I’m in great shape, unbelievable condition. And like I said, the thing about this, that people fail to realize and they won’t recognize until June 10th is that actually, I’ve been training since the middle of October. Do you think I was sitting around eating donuts out there with Sylvester Stallone? I was working out with one of the most revered trainers in the West Coast, Doug Peterson and we worked hard, we worked hard to put on the muscles, we lift weight, we did exercises, we worked — and so, that’s the key that people are going to fail to realize. I’ve been training since the middle of October for this fight.
(Over speaking)
Antonio Tarver: I had to train differently twice, but you know, I was building up and then, I had to bring it down, but I did it, I did it great, perfectly, both ways. So, I’m stronger now, I’m quicker now, I’m faster and like I’ve said, I’m going to put on a hell of a display of boxing, come June 10th.
Dan: When you say you are working out like that since October, part of that working out was the regimen to be in good shape for the movie, correct?
Antonio Tarver: Exactly. I mean, pretty much, we did lot of exercise, I mean, we lift weights, something I really have never done in my career and even Doug told me — Donald told me — I’m sorry Donald Peterson told me that I will see the difference, I will see that it will pay dividend and it has. I’m in much better shape than I’ve ever been in. So, that’s what — I can’t wait to unleash, man, I mean, I wish to fight this week like I’ve said, I’m ready this week. So, it’s going to be hell tapering down for two weeks man. But, that’s what we got to do now, this is our last week and after this, we just relax, we stay loose and we’re going to be ready to roll.
Dan: Let me ask you about Bernard’s move up in weight. He hired (indiscernible) to get him in great condition, same guy that did it with Michael (indiscernible) when he moved up to heavyweight. Do you think — how much of a factor you believe that will be? Bernard has never really fought above 160 since his professional debut if you want, over 15 years ago. How much will it factor, you are a big guy compared to him?
Antonio Tarver: Well, my whole thing is that, he is not used to carrying that weight around and I think when our — both our body gets to the body, stay in close, let my hands go, and he is going to have to move around and carry that weight, I mean, I don’t know. I mean, I don’t know what Bernard is going to do, what he is going to have to defend his stuff against me. That’s what the puzzle is, that’s the question, what will he do when he get smacked with my right — with my body and my combination punches. What is he going to do, he has never felt anything like that before. So, that remains to be seen. But, I’m here to tell you, that’s what he is going to have — what’s we will find out early on, is how bad he want it and what he is willing to go through to get it. We’re going to find that out early.
Dan: So, that’s what we are going to ask you. Do you want to test him immediately in the first round to see how much of that weight, how he carries that, how your power is against –?
Antonio Tarver: I want to see if he needs to be a star and the only way you can be a star in this game is, you’ve got to perform and I’m out to perform on Bernard Hopkins the June 10th. And that’s everything. You know I’ve gone on record saying he won’t see the sixth round and I mean that. And so, I know I’m not going to go out there, I’m not going to go out of my way, but I’m going to go out there and let him feel his (indiscernible), we don’t stand in there and fight and hopefully, fight to tall. He comes to find like he is tall. If he do that, then you can expect another (indiscernible), that’s what I’m expecting, that’s what I’m bringing.
Dan: Okay, thank you Antonio, good luck to you.
Antonio Tarver: All right.
Operator: Our next question or comment comes from (Steve Coleman) from (boxingsports.com).
Steve Coleman: Antonio, how are you doing Joe, Norman?
Male Speaker: How are you doing?
Male Speaker: How are you? Good.
Steve Coleman: Okay. Antonio, if you don’t knock him out in the first half of the play like you want to, will you then be disappointed and do you think that would then affect how you fight the rest of the fight?
Antonio Tarver: Well, I’m too smart for that man, I’m a pro, I’m an experienced guy, I’ve been through amateurs and everything, I mean, hey, if I don’t knock him out, I don’t knock him out. I still got to win the fight. I mean, that goes without saying, but to knock him out, that’s the goal for me, that’s the challenge for me. That’s the sweet taste of my mouth that I want to taste. And that’s what it’s all about, it makes me work hard in the gym, it keeps me focused in case anybody think I’m taking this guy lightly. I mean — and so, maybe I needed that, maybe I’m getting, but I want to put that out there and some people perform well and better under pressure. And so, the pressure is on. The pressure is on for me to step up and show these people and take a step above the rest. I don’t want to be on everybody else’s level, I want to take a step above and go into that category of all time when they think about the light heavyweight. And I think a dominating performance would do that for me.
Steve Coleman: Okay. Just a second ago — I’m not trying to dish you anything, but — because certainly I think you’re one of the best fighters out there. But, just a moment ago, you followed up a question when someone asked you about the thinking fighters. And you mentioned that — you thought that at one time, Bernard Hopkins was on that list. That seems to apply that you yourself consider Hopkins to be being past his prime. So, why would you put so much on beating him at this time?
Antonio Tarver: I’ve said, you can also put Bernard on that list. He put Bernard on the list. I really wasn’t thinking about Bernard, but when you look back at Bernard’s career, you must say that he was one of the brightest, smartest fighters. I mean, he made all the right decisions, I mean, had 20 some odd — 20 defenses, I mean, and a lot of times, he fought guys that were very aggressive, he had to outthink them, guys like (Alan) and so, I just looked when I thought about it, when he brought it up, I had to say yeah, I mean, sure, you can put Bernard on that list. I’m not saying Bernard is past his prime. I would say every time that I fight someone, they have got to say that he is on the down — he is a decline, he is not the same fighter, Roy Jones Jr. for instance. So, then, I heard the rumblings that this guy is 41, but he was good enough for Taylor to give his credibility, but he is not good enough for me. I mean, so, you can’t have it both ways. You’re either going to say that Antonio Tarver is the best fighter out there today because everybody that he fights, he is either supremely rated to beat the guy — I mean, he is rated to beat the guy or they say, guys like Barnard Hopkins or Roy Jones over the year when they fight Antonio Tarver because it’s expected that Antonio Tarver go in there and destroy and beat guys. But, at the same time, they say, I’m under — they underrate me. So, that’s what I’m saying, I mean, it is or it’s not. Bernard Hopkins I think is still a great fighter. I don’t think anybody can remember him being dominated or him being outclassed or him being just straight knocked out. He didn’t have that — it didn’t happen against Jermain Taylor twice and this guy is 10 years my age — 10 years my youth. So, if it happens on June 10th, this is how you have to compare apples with oranges. If I show you something you’ve never seen before, something you never thought was possible then, that’s what it is. You know, he fought Roy Jones, they fought toe to toe, he fought Trinidad even though he has knocked Trinidad out, he has dominated Trinidad, but everybody say that Trinidad was coming up lighter guy whatever, whatever. But, my whole thing is that Bernard coming up, he looks good with weight on, I felt that he was draining himself all those years to make to 160 and he looks well with a few pounds on, the muscles. So, he is going to be strong, but like I’ve said, I’m going to go to — in here, and show these people what I’m made of and I’m anxious to see what Bernard Hopkins come to the table with.
Steve Coleman: Right. Next question is, there has been some concern about some people that I’m sure you know one of these getting by your confidence, but he tend to stay in later rounds, have you addressed that or do you consider this to be a non-issue?
Antonio Tarver: I think those are people that are so-called experts that don’t know a hell of things about what they are watching. I don’t know what side (indiscernible), I don’t know they want to say are favored in Roy Jones side, out-punching three to one and I had to take this all night long. So, if I’ve got a little windy down the stretch, it was understandable. Well, how do you get failed when you have the punching power that I have in the 11th round to almost knock this guy out and the only thing saved him was the (rule). I mean, you saw me — sometime when you look relaxed, you’re relaxed and you’re comfortable, you may look (indiscernible), I was doing combinations in the 12th round, but I’ve felt like, hey, this guy has to knock me out in order to win, so, okay, I’m not going go out there and make no dumb move trying to secure knock out and put my stuff in harm’s way to get either caught with some fluke punch or whatever. I mean, so, the whole thing was, I was comfortable in my position, I’ve been strong and I don’t have a problem with finishing a fight. I didn’t fail (Glenn Johnson) too and so, I don’t know what these people are talking about. But, let them continue to be the so-called experts. I will continue to be the champion.
Steve Coleman: Right. Last question. Do you think yourself as one of the top powerful pounders? Right now, people are saying — people are like — how do you compare your accomplishments compared to those fighters?
Antonio Tarver: Well, I mean, we all have great accomplishments. And you probably won’t ever be able to just truly compare. Well, like I’ve said, I mean, I’ve just never — I mean, I’ve seen fighters, I see what they do and I see what I do. The bottom line is they go to distance with champions and legends, I’m knock legends out, I’m the legend killer. That’s the difference.
Steve Coleman: All right, man, thank you.
Antonio Tarver: Yeah.
Operator: Our next question comes from (Ian Harber) from Sports Express.
Ian: Antonio, how are you doing?
Antonio Tarver: How are you doing? I’m doing great.
Ian: Good. You’ve had a great career so far. What would you personally cite as your greatest achievement and what else do you think you need to achieve to go down as one of the greatest light heavyweights in history?
Antonio Tarver: Well, I mean, I have some great achievements. I mean, winning the lighter weight champion or realizing that goal was one that tops them all because that was something I’ve said I’ve to do years ago. I still have a lot of more — lot more accomplishments. I just wish that we had this weight division that will pull pool of talent and guys with credible names that I could match myself up against and show these people night in and night out what I’ve said. Unfortunately, I write those guys out along the way, you know, I mean, coming up to the championship fight. I don’t think anybody out there in any division had to fight everybody that was ranked in the top 10 above him to get a shot at the championship. When I did that, there was no one left. I’ve fought Reggie Johnson, I’ve fought Glenn Johnson, I’ve fought (indiscernible), I’ve fought the dangerous Eric Harding, I’ve fought all these guys when I didn’t have a title. And so, when I got to the championship, Roy Jones finally, hey, I did what I had to do, wiped him out, you know what I mean. And so, that’s what it is. I just wish that we had a pool of talent in the lighter weight division. And then, I could — I probably would be able to show these people exactly what the beauty is about Antonio Tarver.
Ian: What do you think (indiscernible) Antonio, do you think it’s the quality or quantity like the longevity of a guy’s career? I mean, if he makes 20 title defenses against not top fighters, but you think a guy who maybe makes only seven or eight title defenses against top quality fighters. What do you see as being a parameter of successful career?
Antonio Tarver: I mean, I would never discredit anything that Bernard Hopkins has accomplished in middle-weight. He has had a great career and consistency — consistency is very hard in this game. We are in the hurt business, anything could happen. I’ve seen guys get hurt not even by a punch, but just to be consistent for so long is definitely due to the credibility and the respect. But, I mean if the — like I said, it depends, like with me. I’m in a situation where I don’t think I would ever be able to just get what you’ve called a tuna fight, like guys out there that I see have the luxury to do, pocket three or four men just by showing up, fighting some guy that’s not even on your level. I’ve never approached the game like that. I’ve always tried to bring the best, the biggest and I’ve taken risk in this game. You know, that’s what people fail to realize. They want to talk about what I haven’t done. But, how many fighters would have fought Eric Harding in a position where I had already secured the mandatory title. Most guys would have (indiscernible), I’m not in the weight business, you understand me, I’ve told myself, now, let me clear this record, let me clear this stain off my record. And so, (indiscernible) the best fighters. You know, I’ve took that fight late, I had a lot of things on my mind with Roy Jones ducking, running and IBF taking away my mandatory. I don’t want to live in the past, but a lot of things went unnoticed and unsaid about that tumultuous time in my career where I came up short that one time against Eric Harding. But, when you look back at it, they showed it the other night, I didn’t cry with spilled milk, you know me, I’ve brushed myself off, I’ve got my boot back in the gym in the first opportunity that presented itself for me to fight this guy again. So, I jeopardized everything at this title shot. I went in and knocked him out. How many guys do you think would have took that chance. So, you know what I mean, I’ve took the risk to get here. And when I did it, it paid off. And so, like I’ve said, I don’t have any regrets. If I had to all over to do again, I will do it the same way because you know what, I talked it and then, when it was time to walk it, I did it. And so, now, I’m here, and now, it seems like the hardest thing for people to do is admit that they were totally wrong, you understand me, admit they were wrong. And they may never, but that’s not going to stop me from being successful. I know what I have to do on June 10th, I told people what I’m going to do on June 10th and I plan on doing because I’ve worked towards that goal everyday since I’ve got the chance.
Ian: Great, thanks Antonio, good luck on the 10th.
Antonio Tarver: Yeah.
Operator: Our next question or comment comes from (Mark Abrams) from 15Rounds.com.
Mark Abrams: Hi Antonio, how are you doing?
Antonio Tarver: Great.
Mark Abrams: You just were talking about how (indiscernible) Hopkins. Can you compare Hopkins to the guy who fought Trinidad four years ago or five years ago?
Antonio Tarver: I don’t know. I mean it depends on how well he is taking care of himself. You don’t know I don’t know what he has been through and obviously, by his fighting ability, it seems like he is the same guy. I mean, I don’t see him taking punches, I don’t see him getting knocked down, I don’t see him getting cut, I don’t see him getting hurt. I mean, you tell me have you seen it, I haven’t seen it. I haven’t seen it yet. And so, I’m looking at it like, okay, he went toe to toe, controversial decision with Jermain Taylor who some people feel is the next thing or the next great thing — next big thing. It was a controversial to say the least. I mean, and so, you saw the first fight, you saw the second fight. I mean, I don’t think any one of those guys did anything decisively. So, that leads me to believe that the guy still has it, if you saw him knocked out, hurt — Taylor went by knock out, okay, again, there is a opportunity for you to second guess this guy’s ability, has he lost his step. I didn’t see that. So, I’m going to here show the people, no, you haven’t lost a step, he just met the man, the magic man.
Mark Abrams: Couple of more quick questions. Obviously –.
Antonio Tarver: And I’m not clean chicken by the way, I’m 37 years old in case people out there are wondering.
Mark Abrams: Couple of more quick questions. Whether you like or not, you and Roy Jones have always been linked together. What are your thoughts — any thoughts of him fighting these (indiscernible) shows in Idaho?
Antonio Tarver: Well, I mean, go through the history. Some happens to people when they go, pool around with the magic man, some happens to them. My last 10 opponents — and I can show you, they (indiscernible) out there, trying to get TV’s license Boise, Idaho. I mean, I don’t understand, it’s ridiculous, you know what I mean, it can’t be a money problem, the man has made all the money in the world, what is it? I mean, I don’t know, I mean, I can’t explain what goes on in Roy Jones’ head. We all knew he was a strange individual a long time ago when it came — the things that he did in negotiations, the way he did things, we all knew he was a different type of character, but to stoop this low, I don’t see any justice. If he win, he win a reasonable championship, but what is it going to do? Is it going to position him for another fight with the “magic man” I don’t think so. Will it give him some negotiating power with (indiscernible). I don’t know. But, somewhere in his mind, he believes that a win against (indiscernible) will elevate him to a position where he can get some type of leverage. It’s always been about leverage with Roy Jones Jr. So, I don’t know where he is going, but hopefully, you know, I wish him well and you know, hopefully you don’t get hurt, you know, he can be victorious and get a win, maybe that might be what he want to go out on.
Mark Abrams: Last question. Obviously after the knock out of Jones, your star or your popularity rose to a certain level, what do you expect after the Rocky movie where it’s going to take you?
Antonio Tarver: I mean, the sky is the limit with that. You know, how that is? I mean, I think — I feel I believe in a movie, I feel that if I can get as much credibility and respect as Carl Weathers before me, it should — could do wonders for my career. You know, where it is just — it is kind of sad that, I have to go to another arena, another arena outside of boxing in order to get the popularity and the love and maybe even the respect. But either way, you know, as long as it comes.
Mark Abrams: Is Joe still on the line?
Joe DeGuardia: Yes, I am still on.
Mark Abrams: Joe, basically, the same question as the promoter. I mean, how do you feel that being in the Rocky movie maybe made your job a bit easier to promote, maybe more major point?
Joe DeGuardia: Well, I mean it’s — you know, certainly it will have a positive impact. The reality is that, you know, it goes to explain what Antonio is and Antonio is a rare thing in boxing. You know, he is a guy that the general public can and will and has taken hold off because let’s face it, there are not many people in this sport that have the ability to speak and carry himself and portray himself they way he does. And I think that once — you know that, it’s the masses — Rocky — when they see just how Antonio is and what kind of character he has got and the type of personality he has got, I think that it is going to be beneficial for Antonio’s career, but more importantly, for the sport itself which (indiscernible) for Antonio is the reality that, you know, the sport is going to benefit from him, because more people will be able to see that there are athletes out there in boxing. And that Antonio is one of them. He is the kind of guy that can do for boxing what Michael Jordan did for the NBA.
Mark Abrams: Thank you guys and best of luck.
Joe DeGuardia: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question comes from (indiscernible).
Male Speaker: How are you doing?
Antonio Tarver: Well, how are you doing?
Male Speaker: I’m good buddy. (indiscernible) after this fight on June 10th, what do you think this does for the legacy you are trying to establish and what do you think that it used to be remembered maybe historically, you know, actor (indiscernible)?
Antonio Tarver: That all depends on, you know, the outcome. I mean, if all goes well and I am going there and look as good as I plan on doing and get this guy there and put hurt on him, just stretch him like I plan on doing, I mean it should do wonders, it should enhance my legacy as a legend killer, you know what I mean. A lot of guys — I mean, lot of guys step up and fight and they go the distance and then they may kill — applaud the performance, but my whole thing is, I’m not even trying to go the distance with these guys, I’m trying to punch these guys and get these guys out of here, you know, my fighting style has changed because I feel that I can be competent in my defense, you know, what I mean. That’s the whole thing about it, I’m going to sit down and (indiscernible), you understand me and they are the guys to hit me, you understand me, that’s the only way you are going to be able to opened them up, if you let the hands go. So, you know, my whole thing is that I trust in my defense and I get hit, I get hit, I can take it, you know what I mean, I didn’t think about this guy hurting me. You know what I saying, I’ve took punches before and it’s really nothing man. And so, that’s what I am trying — I am going to another dimension and I’ve got so many facets to my game and that’s all I want to show, just put them all on display, you understand me. God blessed me with this gift and talent man, I mean, he gave it to me abundantly and it’s time for me to put it on display. So, you know, I’ve come all the way this far and they (indiscernible) he got a stretch on me, you understand me, look good, I’ve never been hurt and God has been good to me, man. He has preserved me for something that’s beautiful man and I’m saying let it go on June 10th, you know, I’m getting rid of Bernard Hopkins, man, once and for all and that’s it. I’ve (indiscernible) and Bernard Hopkins and on June 10th, my mission will be accomplished.
Male Speaker: Well, I mean, in talking about that, as you know, as you’re talking about that, that mission, I mean, you’re 37 years old, you’ve defeated all the top guys in your weight class, you are in a Rocky movie, you’re conceived and known as the champion. I mean, what more do you want out of boxing and what more does boxing has to offer you at this stage of the game?
Antonio Tarver: I mean boxing is beautiful man. I mean, it is always — understand, we always have to what you would call reinvent ourselves in the game, you know what I mean, each fight is a new — you know, it’s a new phase. And so, that’s what it is. You got guys out here coming up like (indiscernible), you understand me, guys — you know, I hope it’s four or five more of those great fighters coming up and come up and challenge me, it will be beautiful man because my last two to three years in this game. Like I’ve said, I want to take boxing on a historical level in the next two to three years. I’ve bored none, anybody step up — I am a medium half weight, I (indiscernible) for nobody and I accept all challenges, that’s what I want and that’s what I want to compete, to bring to the game, that’s it. From whose weight on now, anybody — and if a heavy weight call me out, I am coming up there if it make sense. A whole lot of sense, you know what I saying, what I’m mean, I’m just like the same — I am enjoying myself, like I said man, this is God’s will and I just want to continue to do work — continue the work as long as I can do it.
Male Speaker: Last question for you then, is you know, once you were good friends. (indiscernible) can you talk a little bit about, you know, you guys kind of going back to back on big HBO shows?
Antonio Tarver: Yeah, man, it’s going to be a beautiful week for residents, you know, two weeks in there, we’re back to back and this won’t be good. You know, I am planning it, I will call him the day just checking in, once — he is ready, he is focused, you know, he knows that he got his handful. I know I got my handful, but we both played up and we feel that we are going to be successful. You know, I will be there touring in because I just want to see that great fight, I don’t want to miss it. And hey, I mean, may the best man win.
I mean I am no (indiscernible) I think that people look is really (indiscernible) is how tough he is. We’ve fought over a 100 round, I could feel the guy got more heart than anybody, I mean it’s tough, tough, tough nut in there. And you know, — you know, he is boxing with one of the best guys in the business, but when it if he get down to it, it get dirty, I mean when they have to go toe to toe, that’s when people are going to be surprised that we — can do it. I mean, he really has a big heart. I mean, he is a tough fighter.
Male Speaker: All right.
Male Speaker: All right.
Female Speaker: Norman, there are currently no questions in the queue.
Male Speaker: Let me thank everyone who participated in this call and on behalf of Team Harbor, Star Boxing (indiscernible) happy holiday weekend. Antonio, do you have anything you want to close with or Joe?
Male Speaker: Yeah, just thanks to everybody to be in part in this conference call. Happy Memorial Day and may your travels be safe and look forward to seeing everybody soon. Thanks.
Male Speaker: All right. Thank you everybody.