BJ Flores is Open To Antonio Tarver Showdown

By Rick Reeno

Once-beaten cruiserweight contender BJ Flores (28-1-1, 18KOs) is looking for a major title shot in the near future. Because of ongoing promotional issues, the 34-year-old fighter has been inactive since last October. He recently broke away from promoter Don King and now plans to be very active. Flores is interested in answering the call of former champion Antonio Tarver, who is having a hard time securing a ranked opponent.

BoxingScene.com: BJ, how are things going for you now?

Flores: Things are going great brother. Just been in the gym with my trainer Jacob Chavez training getting my strength work in as well just waiting on my next date.

BoxingScene.com:  There was a recent article on BoxingScene, where former champion Antonio Tarver said he's coming back and wants to put the cruiserweight division on notice. 

Flores:  I know Antonio really well he is a great champion and someone who I have a great deal of respect for. He's still very crafty at his age and I still feel he has the abilities to beat a lot of top guys out there. Remember, Tarver comes from a great amateur background and a multiple time world champion so even at his age he is still a very dangerous fighter.

BoxingScene.com:  You and Tarver are currently two of the top U.S. cruiserweights.  What are your thoughts on a fight between you two?

Flores:  It would be an honor to step in the ring with a legend like Tarver. He's done big things in this sport and I have a great deal of respect for Antonio.  Tarver has a big left hand  so I would have to be smart in there. 

It’s definitely a very interesting fight. I know it’s a good fight for both of us as it puts the winner in a spot to fight Marco Huck or any of the other champs in the weight class.
 
BoxingScene.com: If not a fight with Tarver what other options are you looking at?

Flores: There are some very good things being worked on right now. I have recently received my release from DKP Promotions and looking forward to fighting very very soon. I want to fight three times in the next 12 months. I'm very very hungry. Ready to get back in the ring ASAP.

I'm rated #2 WBO and #3 WBA so it all about fighting one of the champions.  But I am willing to face anyone to earn that opportunity. I am a promotional free agent now and my team is working very hard to put me in the right spot. I have a few options to fight overseas right now and there still working on a cruiserweight tournament so that would definitely be a great option.