It is the ultimate compliment to Tarver that he somehow keeps getting put in these fantasy matchups. But sadly, we know it is impossible for Tarver, a multi/lineal 175 champ with one of the best wins at light heavy in history, to actually beat someone from the 80s in Fantasy Land.
We all saw the success that Glen Johnson had against Tarver using a similar rough pressure style that Saad was simply better at. I like Saad by UD.
I think that the more durable champion fighter was Matthew Saad Muhammad. He proved durability in his battles with Alvaro Yaqui Lopez and Marvin Johnson. Antonio Tarver, though talented, beat a past his prime Roy Jones Jr. Tarver would not be fighting an aged Rocky Balboa as in the movie he starred in. Saad stops him in round 10. Saad Muhammad had longevity as a champion, Tarver was a flash in the pan.
Saad Muhammad is a gawdamned bloody murderer and likes to leave a mess of things. Tarver does get underrated and can give as much as he takes. Unfortunately, Saad Muhammad is a serial killer who leaves a messy trail in his wake. Great, great match up. One I've never thought of before. Well done OP.
I agree 100%. Glen Johnson fought very similar to the way that Saad fought but Saad was even stronger and more powerful. Tarver was a great counter puncher but the pace that Saad would bring would be too much in my opinion. Tarver did not like pressure as shown by Johnson over 24 rounds and even Vassily Jirov in the 96 Olympics. Tarver would be backing up all night against Saad.
Saad by 8th or 9th round kayo. Tarver starts out strong, but Matthew comes roaring back in form and drops Tarver twice en route to a kayo.
I think he has a good chance in a 15 rounder. And Tarver would know it, he would change up real quick.
Tarver is basically impossible to knock out. If he thinks he's gonna lose, he just shells up and avoids damage.
True, but I think Saad could do the trick. He was a boxer before he became Miracle Matthew, he knows the tricks to use.
