By Ja Lang G. Greene
While most are drooling over the possible Floyd Mayweather versus Zab Judah mega fight in 2006, there is also an intriguing potential showdown that continues to fly under the radar. Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver – Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy. This fight is the only one between 168 – 175 pounds that makes sense as we head into 2006. Two fighters at the top of their respective weight classes, with contrasting styles, and from the same home state would be worth the $49.95 pay per view tag. Judging from the public turnout and ppv numbers for Jones – Tarver in Florida, could you imagine a summer 2006 super fight held in Miami?
Seven pounds separate two elite level fighters from reenergizing the sweet science and improving its credibility. The Magic Man has been pulling the greatest tricks of all lately, in selling most of the boxing public on his intention to campaign as a heavyweight. Tarver who will be co-starring in the newest Rocky motion picture, as Mason Dixon, plans to weigh around 200 pounds for the shooting of the movie and doesn’t plan on losing the added weight to return to the light heavyweight division. At 36, Tarver is looking for the big payday that will ensure his wealth after retirement. That is understandable.
After going 5-2 in his last seven fights against top competition such as, Reggie Johnson, Montell Griffin, Roy Jones Jr. (three times), and Glencoffe Johnson (twice), Tarver deserves to be fairly compensated for his accomplishments within the ring. But credibility is the emerging issue. How credible will Antonio Tarver be if he beats an aged washed up Mike Tyson who quit against a journeyman named Kevin McBride in his last fight?
There is an old adage that reads, “Those who do not learn from past mistakes are destined to repeat them.” By denying Lacy an opportunity, Tarver is embarking on the same path that the previous recognized light heavyweight champion of the world (Jones Jr.) traveled. Tarver must remember he was once in Lacy’s shoes. He spent years following Jones around, showing up at his press conferences asking for an opportunity to showcase his natural abilities. Jones always seemed to dismiss Tarver as easy fodder or not a worthy challenger for the throne. Jones, much like Tarver is currently planning to do, decided to move up to heavyweight and challenge John Ruiz for a portion of the championship.
Jones, like Tarver, albeit in a lesser role appeared in several movies further capitalizing on success. Tarver, like Jones, has now begun to dismiss the young up and coming Jeff Lacy, seemingly forgetting about his own personal struggle to secure an opportunity at the top. Truth be told, Jones clearly won the first bout with Tarver and granted a rematch, not because of money, but in part to erase all doubts about the split decision. The rest of course is history and Tarver has been given endorsements, movie deals, studio analyst roles, and other lucrative options after becoming king at 175.
After dispatching of Scott Pemberton, Jeff Lacy quickly called out Tarver. However, Lacy has to defeat defending WBO super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe in February of 2006 to become universally recognized as the king at 168. This will not be an easy fight for Lacy to win; Calzaghe is an experienced fighter who began his pro career in 1993. At 21-0 with 17 knockouts, Lacy’s resume up to this point is steady, but unspectacular. He managed to pull out a close decision against perennial 168lb gatekeeper Omar Sheika, engaged in a shootout against another young prospect Rubin Williams, decimated an outgunned Robin Reid, and quickly removed the aforementioned Pemberton. Lacy comes to fight and has a style that quickly endears him to boxing fans which will continue to make his fights worth viewing. If Lacy wins in a solid showing versus the 40-0 Calzaghe expect the demand for Lacy to continue to grow not only from hardcore fans, but casual fans as well.
A fight between Tarver – Lacy, would be a true litmus test for both. Following the most recent defeat at the hands of Tarver, Jones stated that the way to beat him is to use pressure and engage in a quasi brawl with the magic man. This type of controlled reckless aggression is Lacy’s style of fighting. Can Tarver withstand the pressure from left hook? Will Tarver, who is the better boxer and more experienced fighter, outlast the young challenger?
Boxing doesn’t need another spectacle in Tyson – Tarver, a fight that truthfully proves nothing for both fighters. A Tarver win just adds his name to the mix of guys who beat a past his prime Tyson. A Tyson win wouldn’t escalate him back to the top of the heavyweight food chain.
For Tarver, Tyson means more dollars, but Lacy makes the most sense.
Comments can be sent to jalanggreene@aol.com