Justin Hackman: What’s going on with Antonio Tarver Jr (6-0, 4 KOs)?  Tell me about your victory over Thomas Hill (8-3, 1 KO) on May 25th [Tarver had been inactive for more than a year but Hill was a step up in terms of difficuty of opponent]. Antonio Tarver Jr: It was a solid eight rounds against someone with more experience than me, both amateur and professional.  I hurt him a few times in the fight.  I had to get adjusted to his long jab early.  I managed to take control of the fight after that though, and kept the action in the middle of the ring.  I conserved my energy a bit because this fight was a jump for me from four to eight rounds.  And I felt great, so it gave me a lot of confidence.  Now I’m just focused on getting right back in the ring.

 

JH: You didn’t grow up as a boxer…

 

ATJR: I played basketball and football in high school, even a bit of college basketball at Daytona State College.  At 19, I decided to take up boxing, and turns out I was really good at it.  Early on, I sparred Keith Thurman.  He gave me some good pointers, and not to mention the great experience that comes with sparring with a champion like that.  Those sessions gave me the confidence to know that I could compete.  

 

JH: You had less than 10 amateur fights, but I imagine that your past as an athlete in other sports created a foundation with which you can draw upon as a boxer, correct?

 

ATJR: Most definitely.  I’ve always played sports knowing that my opponent can never be underestimated, I was taught to respect competition, and then of course the emotional and physical conditioning that comes natural with being an athlete of any kind.  All of these things I now draw upon as a fighter.

 

JH: There is a difference between biological years and ring years.  You’re 31 years old, but you’re young when it comes to ring years.

 

ATJR: I’m feeling very young right now man.  I don’t have any wear and tear on me so I’m actually in a great spot right now.  Throw me in with some young prospects at 154, and they’ll see what I’m made of.  I’m ready to take on some stiff competition, and most importantly stay active, in the ring four or five times a year.  

 

JH: Anything for the fans, Antonio?

 

ATJR: I’m a hard worker, actually working jobs.  It’s not easy coming up in the sport of boxing.  I don’t have a silver spoon in my mouth like a lot of people may think.  Just know I’m a fighter who’s hungry and always ready to perform in that ring.  I’m ready to make a big splash in the 154-pound division.