by Waldon “TBD” White: Today at the Oakland Airport Hilton the Ward vs. Green weigh in got into full swing. I had the opportunity to chat with Former IBF, WBC and IBO light heavyweight champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver about his thoughts on this weekends fight and what’s been happening with his career. Tarver will be commentating for Showtime Boxing’s Super Six World Boxing Classic Series telecast of the Andre Ward, Alan Green WBA World Super Middleweight Championship fight taking place at the Oakland Arena.
TBD: “How do you feel about this weekends match up and the renewed excitement the tournament has brought to boxing recently?”
A.T.: ” Boxing Don I feel like this is going to be one hell of a good match up I think it’s going to be a tough challenge for both fighters involved..”
“The tournament itself has been a great look for boxing with the best in the division facing off against one another fight after exciting fight. On one hand you have Allen Green who has brought himself through many obstacles throughout his career dealing with his health and other set backs. What I like is that kind of resolve can serve as fuel and internal motivation with boxing being a blend of mental and physical prowess and desire. “Green is a strong fighter with the ability to stop a fight early if given the opportunity, However he is facing a tall order with the current WBA Champ Andre Ward but looks like he’s up to the challenge. On the other hand you have current WBA Super Middleweight Champ Andre Ward who has only improved fight after fight. What I like about him is that he is really humble and but at the same time supremely confident in a strange way. I really take my hat off to Ward and his Trainer Virgil Hunter, because it’s rare to see a fighter and trainer actually the entire team on the same wave length. The respect level between the two is awesome, Virgil is definitely the X factor in his fighters focus, discipline and success.
TBD: “So how do you feel about all of the talk regarding drug testing for boxer’s in championship fights?”
AT: “Frankly I really don’t know anyone who has gotten away with steroid or drug use without getting caught at some point. As fighters frankly, we have so many other things while training and preparing for fights to worry about. I believe if you have past offenders then yes put them under a microscope and make the appropriate measures to ensure they are clean. With the post fight uranalysis and other measures I think that boxing is one of the most drug free sports I’ve personally seen.”
TBD: “What are you plans for the immediate future seeing how you’ve developed into a great ring side commentator, have you decided fight again or transition on to a new career?”
AT: “Well you know I’m going to make a big announcement during tomorrows telecast of the Ward vs. Green fight and let the public know exactly what I’ve got planned. I definitley will be back in the ring I feel like I’m a still a young fighter in regards to my health and strength. I’ve never been in any really brutal wars and taken a lot of shots to the head or allowed myself to be seriously hurt. I believe at 41 I still bring a long list of intangeables to the fight game and I still have alot of fight in me. Understand I reached my prime later than alot other fighters of my generation and that plus my strength and skill has enabled me to fight at a high level for a longer period of time.”
TBD: ” So I promised you I wouldn’t let the cat out of the bag and would let you give your big announcement tomorrow’s telecast you just remember to shout out The Boxing Don and on that note thanks and good luck!”
Speaking with fighters as well spoken and gracious as Antonio”Magic Man” Tarver is always a pleasure. Don’t miss tomorrows telecast of the Showtime Super Six World Boxing Classic at 10PM ET/PT June 19th 2010 for a great fight and Antonio Tarver’s big announcement during the show.