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If there was one word that could sum up Antonio Tarver's media day workout in Tampa today, that word would be drive. As Tarver conducted interview after interview you could see his enthusiasm. He displayed the confidence of someone who has achieved more than most fighters ever will.
But with all that Antonio Tarver has accomplished, he still has the drive to achieve more. Tarver was a bronze medalist in the 1996 Olympic Games, a multi-time world champion at light heavyweight, as well as achieving a starring role in "Rocky Balboa", opposite Sylvester Stallone. These are lifetime accomplishments for most people, but Tarver has done all this and more before even reaching his 40th birthday. His long term goal is to become undisputed champion of the light heavyweight division.
Hurdle number one is to match his IBO belt against current IBF titlist Clinton Woods on Saturday, April 12th, at the St Pete Times Forum, in Tampa.
"Clinton is tough and when he is allowed to, he can break most fighters down. But you've gotta remember, I am the guy who figured out the Roy Jones puzzle. He is looking past me, I have never had anyone do that. I don't know whether it's arrogance or ******ity. Clinton Woods handlers are just hoping I'm past my best day," stated Tarver.
Tarver, 26-4 with 19 KO's, certainly didn't appear as those his best days were behind him today. He put on an impressive exhibition at Calta's Boxing Gym today, displaying sharp reflexes, endurance, and focus. "I am focused," explained a confident Tarver. "I've got my eye on the prize."
When asked what is the one thing that keeps him motivated, Tarver responded, "The naysayers, the people who don't think I can do it. Success puts a bad taste in critic's mouths. I wanna be a unique man who can stand alone and be what no one else can be."
The last statement sums up Tarver quite well, as he is able to straddle the line of being self assured, without crossing over to arrogance. He also understands what needs to be done to cement his legacy as a fighter. "My goal is three fights, three belts, and be the undisputed champion. After that I will have no more doubters."
But with all that Antonio Tarver has accomplished, he still has the drive to achieve more. Tarver was a bronze medalist in the 1996 Olympic Games, a multi-time world champion at light heavyweight, as well as achieving a starring role in "Rocky Balboa", opposite Sylvester Stallone. These are lifetime accomplishments for most people, but Tarver has done all this and more before even reaching his 40th birthday. His long term goal is to become undisputed champion of the light heavyweight division.
Hurdle number one is to match his IBO belt against current IBF titlist Clinton Woods on Saturday, April 12th, at the St Pete Times Forum, in Tampa.
"Clinton is tough and when he is allowed to, he can break most fighters down. But you've gotta remember, I am the guy who figured out the Roy Jones puzzle. He is looking past me, I have never had anyone do that. I don't know whether it's arrogance or ******ity. Clinton Woods handlers are just hoping I'm past my best day," stated Tarver.
Tarver, 26-4 with 19 KO's, certainly didn't appear as those his best days were behind him today. He put on an impressive exhibition at Calta's Boxing Gym today, displaying sharp reflexes, endurance, and focus. "I am focused," explained a confident Tarver. "I've got my eye on the prize."
When asked what is the one thing that keeps him motivated, Tarver responded, "The naysayers, the people who don't think I can do it. Success puts a bad taste in critic's mouths. I wanna be a unique man who can stand alone and be what no one else can be."
The last statement sums up Tarver quite well, as he is able to straddle the line of being self assured, without crossing over to arrogance. He also understands what needs to be done to cement his legacy as a fighter. "My goal is three fights, three belts, and be the undisputed champion. After that I will have no more doubters."
i agree thats funny how you put that.
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