Thoughts on Antonio Tarver?

I watched Hopkins vs Tarver today and had a quick laugh and trip down memory lane when I heard some of Tarver's laundry list of excuses vs. Hopkins especially when he tried throwing Buddy under the bus - arguably a top 10 trainer in all of boxing. I also recall Antonio claiming that Room Service poisoned his water with some mickey's or some type of downer and indirectly brought allegations against Team Bernard. Tarver was and is a TRIP!

He is is a legend in his own mind unfortunitely, Not a bad fighter but not a great fighter either. I think Roy Jones from back in the day boxes a shut out against Tarver. Tarver is like a football team who can give anyone trouble but normally loses against the top teams and blames the loss on the officials and injuries. lol!

Kinda reminds me of another fighter, I remember Iran Barkley being a lot like Tarver and if you trace both of these fighters' careers, they are eerily similar. The shot Antonio Tarver's been eating on for a long time came when his eyes were closed and should be considered a once in a lifetime punch. Muscle memory and confidence allowed him to take Roy to a wide UD in the 3rd fight kinda like The Blade vs. Tommy Hearns in their 2 bouts. Scary how much these fighters track together!

Barkley beat Hearns in brutal fashion then losses his next three against Benn, Duran and Nunn similar to Tarver knocking one great out then struggle with other greats. I felt bad when Toney layed his ass out though.

It was amazing how The Blade followed what many called a lucky punch vs. Hearns and clearly out-worked Tommy in the second fight to make critics stand up and take notice. Tarver not only did this in Roy III, but the case could be made that he pulled a 114-113 over Roy in the first fight. But in both Tarver and Barkley's case, they always reverted back to a safety lock on their handgun in big fights after their 15 minutes against two GOATS: The Hitman & Pensacola Superman.

 

well said Mandanda

is he fully retired now btw?

he'll make a better colour commentator then a fighter IMO.

 

yep, LHL although that might slightly be misleading as he was a steller amateur back when that am game was not so far removed from the pro's. AT just never had that "it" factor.

 

mandanda and LHL, whats your views on Sergio Martinez?

I like what I've been seeing from Sergio Martinez. He looks a stud. Has the rudiments to be a real superstar. Handsome (no homo) Fast, Athletic, slick Don't know about punching power yet...

How bout this future matchup: Martinez vs. James Kirkland (when he comes out) Talk about a clash of styles. I could be wrong because Sergio doesn't look a day over 25, but I think he's actually a late bloomer and in his early to mid 30's. When he comes out Kirkland will still be with Fishnet Girl Promotions, I think DLH may look to test Kirkland out at 154 and make a serious run for the linear crown. But Sergio has that "it" factor especially from what I saw of him against Bunema!

I also just watched Sergio Martinez vs. Tijuana Tornado (part 3) and I was amazed at how well Sergio did in this fight...up until being caught flat footed and taken out. But that was a sign of immaturity and invincibility because this fight happened when Sergio was a raw, young kid. Damn he's a slick southpaw and could match up favorably against Kirkland who is still green. However, Kirkland was a destroyer like a young G Man and only getting better with his boxing skills (SCARY)! what a match-up that would've been...damn you Kirkland! lol