By Mike Colapietro

Antonio Tarver is a likeable guy.

While promoting Rocky Balboa in Los Angeles, Tarver won over the press with his charm and the ability to answer questions in a thorough, complete manner.  By the time the trip was over he was dubbed ‘One Take’ Tarver by the media that were present. 

Tarver makes everything look natural. During a game of pool in the rec room of his Tampa home, he lines up a shot on the 11 ball.  Under his heavy eyelids, he darts a cool gaze on his target as he moves around the table, stops, and shoots.  His shot is meticulous, graceful and on contact the 11 glides slowly to the side pocket, stands on the edge for a few seconds and drops, easy. 

“I told you”, Tarver says extending his smile into a boastful grin, “I am undefeated in my house.” 

Tarver smiles a lot.  He has been blessed with unique talents and he knows it.  Making everything look easy is one of these talents, but it has come through hard work, dedication and determination.

Acting did not come easy for Tarver; he found that out on the first day of filming for Rocky. 

“It was difficult”, Tarver says.  “I’m not used to that many cameras being in my face and people saying ‘action’ or ‘cut’ and having to deliver exactly what the director wants.  It’s the way you come across, your presence.” 

In the film, Tarver plays Mason “the line” Dixon, the newest in the long line of Rocky opponents.  Tarver’s only previous acting experience was a guest spot on The Contender, in which, since it is reality television, Tarver played Tarver. He learned quickly on the set of Rocky that it is the subtle things, maybe the tone of a character’s voice or the look in their eye that might make the difference.

Tarver believes it is the subtle things that have also made the difference in him as a boxer. He views boxing as a thinking sport, quick thinking; if you dwell too long on what you have to do, you are already a step behind.  When you look at Tarver in the ring with his opponents the first thing you might notice is that he is not as physically imposing.   

He goes through rigorous training before a fight but believes that in the end it is not who is the strongest, it is about who can outthink his opponent.  “That’s the main thing in boxing, what is between your ears,” Tarver says, “Some people think we just show up and fight.  If that was the case it would be ultimate fighting, but it’s not, it’s an art.”

Ultimately, above the arts or entertainment, Tarver’s focus is on his two children, his 18-year-old son Antonio Tarver Jr. and 5-year-old daughter Taylor Tarver.  Taylor recently joined him on his trip to Los Angeles for the Rocky premiere.  Tarver says he will do anything for his children. 

During basketball season Tarver routinely took the 3-hour drive to watch Tarver Jr. play basketball as a starting shooting guard for Atlantic High School in Port Orange, Florida. He shows his son constant support in all of his activities.  

Tarver has made goals for the future. His fight on Saturday, June 9 against Elvir Muriqi at the Harford Convention Center, marks his first step back in ring after a lethargic looking Tarver lost a unanimous decision to Bernard Hopkins last year.  The former champion has given himself a 3-year window to be the best fighter he can be, a time he knows will determine his legacy.  Then, he is hanging up the gloves.

After boxing, Tarver believes opportunities may open up for him in sports commentating or acting.  Whatever comes along Tarver says he will put his all into it and knows he is fortunate if only to have the opportunity. 

“I will never forget my humble beginnings”, Tarver says. “It is just proof that god lives, he’s merciful and he blesses us.  If you believe in yourself and follow your dreams they do come true.  I’m living proof.”

Antonio Tarver makes it look too easy.

Mike Colapietro is a freelance journalist based in Florida.