Antonio Tarver retired from professional boxing and has since been involved in acting and boxing commentary. He has faced legal and financial issues but remains a notable figure in the boxing community.
Antonio Tarver, born on November 21, 1968, in Orlando, Florida, is a former professional boxer who competed from 1997 to 2015. He is best known for winning the light heavyweight world championship multiple times, including the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring magazine titles. Tarver gained widespread fame for his two victories over Roy Jones Jr., particularly the second fight in which he scored a stunning second-round knockout.
After retiring from boxing, Tarver pursued a career in acting. He is perhaps most recognized for his role as Mason “The Line” Dixon, the heavyweight champion in the 2006 film “Rocky Balboa,” the sixth installment of the Rocky series. His performance was well-received, and it allowed him to showcase his personality beyond the ring.
In addition to acting, Tarver has worked as a boxing analyst and commentator, sharing his expertise on various boxing broadcasts. His articulate and insightful commentary has been appreciated by fans and peers alike.
However, Tarver’s post-boxing life has not been without challenges. He has faced several legal issues, including arrests for domestic battery and writing bad checks. Financial troubles have also plagued the former champion, with reports of unpaid debts and bankruptcy filings.
Despite these setbacks, Tarver has continued to stay connected to the sport of boxing. He has expressed interest in coaching and mentoring young fighters, drawing on his extensive experience and knowledge. His legacy in the sport is marked by his technical skills, strategic ring intelligence, and the memorable moments he provided to boxing fans around the world.