Born: Jan. 22, 1964
Bouts: 48
Won: 42
Lost: 5
Draw: 1
KOs: 35
Induction: 2026
Born Antonio Dean Tarver on November 21, 1968 in Orlando, FL. Tarver capped an impressive 158-8 amateur career by winning light heavyweight bronze at the 1996 Olympic Games.
The 6’2” southpaw turned pro the next year. He defeated Reggie Johnson (W 12) for the USBA / NABF light heavyweight titles and stopped Eric Harding (TKO 5) before capturing the vacant IBF / WBC light heavyweight titles from Montell Griffin (W 12) in 2003. He lost the titles to Roy Jones Jr. via majority decision but rebounded to stop Jones Jr. (KO 2) in the rematch for the unified WBA/WBC/IBO belts. He split two bouts with Glen Johnson (L12, W12) for the IBO belt before defeating Jones Jr. in the 2005 rubber match. After a loss to Bernard Hopkins (L 12) and win over Elvir Muriqi (W 12) for the vacant IBO strap, he defeated Clinton Woods for the IBF belt in 2008. A pair of decision losses to Chad Dawson preceded an IBO cruiserweight title win over Danny Green (TKO 9) in 2011 before he retired in 2015 with a pro record of 31-6-1 (22 KOs).
Outside of the ring Tarver found success as an expert analyst on SHOWTIME and in 2005, portrayed Mason Dixon in Rocky Balboa opposite Sylvester Stallone.
Antonio Tarver
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