Tarver-Jones Presser

By Mike Swann, reporting Press conferences can be dull, boisterous, frenetic, and occasionally even violent. The latter possibility, slim as it might be, was eliminated by scheduling Roy Jones Jr. at noon and Antonio Tarver at 1:30. Jones made this presser unique by speaking for all of 12 seconds, according to one scribe who timed it. Jones said, “No excuses,” and “I’m here to win,” and he was off to the limo. The video replay of his walk to the car took longer than his time on the podium. It’s difficult to figure the mindset of the enigmatic Jones, but hopefully the fight will last longer than his remarks. After an early lunch, co-promoter, , Joe De Guardia introduced the undercard with superlatives. He began with Brian Minto, who he called “ The Arturro Gatti of the heavyweights, and Vinnie Maddalone, “The Mickey Ward of the heavyweights.” Both promised a great rematch of their July 2004 ESPN fight, won by Minto. Middleweight Andre Ward said that he cut his beard, and dedicated himself to training. Nate Campbell and Almazbek “Kid Diamond” Raiymkulov seemingly spoke from the same script, promising “a real good fight,” and promising to “do their job.” Their bout is the best of a weak undercard. But, hey, have you ever heard a fighter say, “I’m way out of shape and we’ll probably put you to sleep, so save that $49.95.” Shortly after 1:30 Tarver, The Ring Magazine Champion and IBO titlist, appeared, nattily attired in a cream colored suit, and sporting a pair of cool shades. Tarver’s manager, Buddy McGirt, spoke first, saying, “Roy says he’s going to kick ass, but he’s got to bring ass to get ass… Saturday night will be showtime and he’s, , going to come home still champion.” McGirt added that Tarver was more dedicated in camp than he had ever seen him. Tarver, never at a loss for words, said, “The proof is in the pudding. I’ve come too far. I’ve worked too hard. I plan to be victorious on October 1st, by any means necessary. Whatever Roy Jones brings won’t be enough, not here, not now, not ever.” Tarver was asked if he was upset about Jones’ lack of effort in the promotion. “People are coming out to see one thing- me do what I do, and Roy do what he does. This fight has the interest of people because they understand that this might be the last Roy Jones fight you’ll ever see. Is it going to be like the second fight or will he muster up one more great performance.” About Roy Jones Sr. returning to Jones’ corner: “If it gets out of hand, at least he’ll have the compassion to throw in the towel. See? I bring families back together. I should be commended.” About Roy’s rap album: “I haven’t heard it. I heard it went glass.” Tarver did say that he respected Jones, saying, “You have to…I tell myself may the best man win.” 17,000 tickets have been sold thus far, with only the $25 and $50 tickets remaining.