http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2008/02/05/Boxing-Tarver-quotes/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/boxing/ Antonio Tarver roared one very clear message through all the razzmatazz that follows boxing’s Hollywood star: Clinton Woods is in my way. Tarver, who played world champion Mason Dixon in “Rocky VIâ€, takes on Sheffield’s favourite son Woods on April 12, live on Setanta Sports, as he sets about becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. <SCRIPT src="/Util/video/swfobject.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT> <SCRIPT type=text/javascript> // <![CDATA[ var imageLoc = '/upload/Video/Boxing/woodsclinton1big.jpg'; var videoLoc = '/upload/Video/Boxing/clintonvwoods1bg.swf'; var title = 'Woods and Tarver clash'; var type = 'Boxing'; var so = new SWFObject("/Util/video/inPageVideo.swf", "setanta_video", '320', '240', "8", "#FFFFFF"); so.addVariable("imageLoc", imageLoc); so.addVariable("videoLoc", videoLoc); so.addVariable("title", title); so.addVariable("typeOfVideo", type); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); so.write("setanta"); // ]]> </SCRIPT> His arrival at Tuesday's press conference is far from understated. ‘The enemy has arrived, let’s get this thing on’ he roars, sunglasses dazzling as he sets about accusing Woods of a lack of respect due to recent comments. A war of words ensues, mostly from Tarver towards Woods, they square up – before the American reveals his eyes for the first time in order to tell Woods: ‘Look at me, I’m nearly 40 and I’m still a pretty boy’. Tarver does serious too though, and he is absolutely clear that he will beat Woods, beat the winner of Chad Dawson v Glen Johnson and then beat the winner of Bernard Hopkins v Joe Calzaghe to rule the light heavyweight world. “I’m not putting on a performance, those are my true emotions, and I’m letting people know what’s inside of me,†he told Setanta Sports. “He (Woods) has the belt, he’s the IBF champion, and I’m coming for my titles. That’s it. “He’s first up. I see three fights, three belts, and then I’ll be undisputed champion by the end of the year. “I won’t be satisfied until the critics and the purists recognise me as one of the best light heavyweights of all time.†Question marks hang over whether Tarver still possesses the quality of old though, after he endured an unsuccessful return from Hollywood against Hopkins. The Floridian Southpaw (current IBO light heavyweight champion) is undeterred, insisting the boxing world can expect the real Antonio Tarver on April 12, the man who became the first fighter to knock out Roy Jones Jr. “God bless Bernard Hopkins, he’s making a living off my name right now. That’s all behind me, that’s all water under the bridge. “If he’s fortunate enough to get past Calzaghe, he’s on the hitlist," roared Tarver. “I’m expecting a sell-out, and I’m gonna do my thing. We’ve got a heck of an undercard in Chad Dawson and Glen Johnson, fighting for the WBC championship, and whoever wins that fight will be in line to dance with the Magic Man. “God has preserved me, and I believe it’s so I can become undisputed champion once again. “That would be a career defining moment, because right now I don’t think anybody believes I can do it.â€
Tarver accusing someone of making a living off another fighter's name??! I was going to fit this into a joke about comedy material and the writer's strike. What for? This comment from Tarver can be laughed at on it's own "merit".
It's a shame that he comes off as such a douche in all of his interviews. I had the chance to meet him and in person and he's actually a really cool guy... and this is coming from a guy who absolutely loathes him as a fighter.
yup, always thought that guy was the most obnoxious, utterly charmless prick in all of boxing. hopefully Woods put a beating on him.:blobbox:
This is a good fight for both, to be honest- Tarver will think (probably rightly) that he has managed to get a fight with the weakest of the current 175 champs, whilst Clinton will think (rightly) that this is an excellent opportunity to put some money in the bank and add a much needed 'name' to his resume. I hope Woods KO's him...
Tarver is hilarious, I'm pretty sure he doesn't believe the shit he says, he's just promoting himself. I don't believe he's a genuine douche bag, like let's say, James Toney, he's just trying to make a living off his meager accomplishments.
I saw him in Las Vegas during the Mayweather-De La Hoya weekend and there wasn't a fighter or boxing celebrity on-hand that was as cordial and accomodating of the fans as Antonio Tarver. He took pictures with anyone that asked and signed autographs whenever approached. I never really cared for the guy until I saw him do all that. He might still be a dick, but at least he knows how he gets paid.
I hope Woods knocks his ass out. But if was a betting man it would be on Tarver to stink out a decision.
Ive only seen Woods in the RJ fight. In that fight, although Roy beat the holy hell outta him, he showed a good chin and lots of determination. If he has indeed improved since that fight as many say, then yes he has a good chance of upsetting Tarver. Still, the safe pick is Tarver. And Dawson figures to handle old man Johnson w/ease.
He has improved substantially since that fight. He still has the determination and solid chin, but he has developed more power, his timing is better of front and back foot, his defence has tightened up a lot more and he has gained a whole bucketload of extra ring nous. Woods is very, very live in this fight IMO.
I saw his fights with Johnson and his fight with Gonzalez. Tarver is faster, has better power and better defence. I think the fight will be alot like the Tarver-Johnson rematch.
It's unlikely- I think Woods prefers white ass... :: On a more serious note, I think Woods CAN win, but I'm not entirely sure that he will. I sure wouldn't be willing to wager any money on it, unless I can find the right sort of price. Basically, Tarver will start as favourite, probably rightly, but Woods is much more of a live underdog than many would say, and IMO it would be a surprise, rather than a shock, if he were to eek out a close decision.
Have you seen Tarver fight lately? Elvir Murqui could have got the decision in the fight with Tarver. Tarver barely escaped that fight with a MD. Tarver is done for. I would be surprised if he won this fight. I give him a punchers chance and that is it.
This is the main reason I think Woods is so live, to be honest. I don;t know if Woods has much chance with a prime Tarver, but Woods could very well beat this, shot Tarver.
I wonder what the odds on this fight will be. If Tarver is a bog favorite, it may a good chance to make some money off him losing. If he wins I really will be shocked. Woods isn't that great, but he's damn sure better than the Tarver we have seen recently.
