Former Light Heavyweight world champion (5x) Antonio Tarver sat down with 8CountNews and shared his thoughts about the recent legal issue that he’s had to deal with concerning a debt that he owed to a Las Vegas Casino. More importantly, the champ wanted to apologize to his fans and at the same time, reassure them that he’s ready to step back into the ring ASAP. He also admitted how much he misses doing commentary for Showtime Sports. Tarver has a real talent with the mic, and should have no problem landing another job with someone.
Tarver is hungry to show the world that he’s ready and able to get right back into the thick of things in the heavyweight division. He’s feeling good, he’s in good shape, and he’s ready to fight. Tarver doesn’t want just anyone though. He’s ready to take one fight then jump right to a title shot.
Also, Tarver breaks down the upcoming Manny Pacquiao Vs. Tim Bradley fight. Check out what else he had to say in this exclusive 8CN interview.
8CN ? What’s up champ? Thanks for stopping by.
AT ? What’s up Brad. Nice talking to you man. I told you that I was going to give you the first crack at this interview. I’m just looking forward to getting back into the ring.
8CN ? Thanks man. So tell the fans what happened with this whole casino debt, and this recent run in with the law.
AT ? I’m glad that it’s behind me man. I made a bad decision and I paid for it. Everything considered though man, 2 and half years ago I was hit with a suspension. I lost my job with Showtime, I didn’t have any income. I didn’t know when I was gonna be back in the ring to make a living. I had to hold onto every dime I had. I paid for that though. I didn’t know they had a warrant, but I knew they wanted their money. Thank God I had the support to pay it back. There are so many bad stories about how managers and promoters eat up fighters, but to have Al Haymon, a friend, was big. He stepped up for me. He got me out of a bad situation. That’s love man, that’s the kind of person you want behind you when you gave it your all for all them years in the ring. It’s behind me now. I want to let my fans know that I am terribly sorry. My family was hurt over this too. The way they found out about it made me look like a serious criminal and that’s not me man. I am still going through hardship. I deserve a second chance.
8CN ? Big kudos to Al Haymon. What’s your plan in the ring champ?
AT ? I want to fight the best. Bottom line, my whole career I fought main event fights. I deserve better than what I’ve been getting. I’m ready to fight the best. I am determined to be heavyweight champion. I am GONNA win. Tell me where on my record where it says that I don’t deserve anyone but the best. I want a big main event fight like I’m accustomed to. When you come to the table, respect me. I fought my tune up fight and got a real heavyweight out of there in 4 rounds. Why am I still sitting around? As far as I’m concerned I’m still suspended. Man let me go out on my shield. I want to prove where I stand among the very best in boxing. I’m gonna prove that one way or another.
8CN ? You have Al Haymon in your corner, so hopefully you can get a break.
AT ? I do have Al in my corner but for some reason I can’t get a break and it’s frustrating Brad. I’m a 5 time champion. I fought for my country in the Olympics. I perform man. They put me in there with undefeated guys, and I keep beating them. Give me the platform to prove my talents and abilities on premium TV and then bring on Klitschko. Whoever they want to bring me first as long as he’s a top 5 guy, let’s do it. I’m one fight away and then I’m ready for that title. I am working hard, and I want to show that there’s still magic in my hands.
8CN ? What’s the path forward for you?
AT ? Anyone in the top 5 or 10 let’s fight. They got Deontay Wilder showcased on different networks, showcase me! I am the draw, I’m a 5 time champ, I can go on and on. Only two men ever beat me, Hopkins and Dawson. If I left the sport now, that’s a hell of a record.
8CN ? Well you definitely still sell tickets, so this should happen for you sooner or later.
AT ? Brad, when I’m calling out guys on Twitter like Tyson Fury, Chisora, and even David Haye, and none of these guys are saying a word?? That’s more than enough respect right there. This is the fighting business! This is how we get paid. I’m ready for a fight and I’m not talking no small fight. I’m ready for a fight that will position me for a title fight with Klitschko. You can pick holes in Klitschko’s resume, but can you pick holes in mine? I took on all comers. I have great skills, and I know how to fight. I’m gonna box their heads off, especially these big slow guys. I’m ready to get back what’s mine!
8CN ? The fans miss you on Showtime. Any plans to return to the mic?
AT ? Man I miss it too. It was a beautiful situation man. I know I have a talent and when I’m in front of that camera, I’m a star. Someone will realize this and hopefully I’ll get another chance. You live and you learn man. You just try to become a better person.
8CN ? The only difference between me and you is I didn’t get caught at some of the stupid shit I did.
AT ? (LAUGHING) Exactly man. I’m back man. I want to thank all my loyal fans that are there for me during ups and downs. I’m just ready to get back and do what I do, win titles. I’m a winner man, and they can’t take that from me. Hey I also got my son on the way into the sport, Antonio Tarver Jr, so get ready for a big announcement on that man.
8CN ? Before I let you go, break down the upcoming Bradley Vs. Pacquiao fight.
AT ? When I first saw the fight I was with everyone else and thought Pacquiao did enough to win that fight. When I turned the volume down and looked at the fight from a punches landed standpoint, you can really give it to Bradley. He had good defense, throwing a lot of body shots and combinations. When you listen to the commentators, it can distort it some. This is a nice rematch though. If Bradely gets past Pacquiao he deserves a Mayweather fight. Pacquiao coming back from that knockout, and to bounce back like that against Rios, a REAL fighter, showed what a champion he’s really made of. Hey, Pacquiao is back. If he can knockout Bradley or win clearly the calls will return for him to fight Mayweather.
8CN ? Champ, thanks for your time.
AT ? Thanks Brad, I’ll be in touch.
Follow Antonio Tarver on Twitter @AntonioTarver
