Tag Archives: Antonio Tarver

boxing, ESPN Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS PHILADELPHIA MEDIA WORKOUT   DANNY GARCIA & STEVE CUNNINGHAM QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella

  

 (From left to right) Angel Garcia, Danny Garcia, Steve Cunningham and Naazim Richardson pose together at the DSG Boxing Club in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 22. Photo Credit: Ed Diller


PHILADELPHIA (July 22, 2015) – Two of Philadelphia’s top fighters held a media workout Tuesday as Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs)and Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs) prepared for their respective Premier Boxing Champions headlining events in August.

 

Garcia, who was joined by his father and trainer Angel, will be looking for his record fifth main event victory at Barclays Center on Saturday, August 1 when he takes on former world champion, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight battle on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET/6 :00 p.m. PT.

 

Cunningham, a two-time world champion trained by Naazim Richardson, is set for a 12-round heavyweight showdown with former light heavyweight world champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike taking place Friday, August 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Prudential Center in Newark.

 

Tickets for the August 1 event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $120, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available atwww.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 855-GROUP-BK.

 

Tickets for the August 14 event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and facility fee and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.

 

Here is what the fighters and their trainers had to say Wednesday:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“There’s no reason to go back in my career. The sky is the limit. It’s 147 for me now. I definitely feel a lot stronger.

 

“I’m able to work on things now later in camp. Before I would just be coming in to lose weight. Now I’ve had great nutrition throughout camp. My legs are there and I’m faster. It’s all going to fall into place on August 1.

 

“I’m not really concerned about Paulie, at this point in my career if I’m 110% percent ready, I feel like I can adapt to anything and find a way to win.

 

“I couldn’t cut the ring off the way I wanted to at 140. Now I have more agility and I can really corner people, use the jab and control the fight.

 

“My weight is great. I’ve been really disciplined with what I eat. I’m staying sharp and building muscle. I believe I could have been a welterweight two years ago.

 

“He’s from Brooklyn, I’m from Philly. The fight makes perfect sense. All the Italian fans, the Puerto Rican fans will be coming in to see a great fight. He’s a former 147-pound champion, it’s going to be a great fight.

 

“There’s no pressure on me. I just want to go in there and be Danny Garcia, a smart Danny Garcia.

 

“I feel like my style matches up great with anybody at 147. I’m ready for Paulie Malignaggi. I know he’s coming into his hometown. It’s a big fight for him so I just have to be completely ready.

 

“I moved up to 147 to fight the best fighters. Whatever the best fights are, that’s what I want.

 

STEVE CUNNINGHAM

 

“When we were offered this fight, we took it right away. Not that I think It’s going to be easy, because no fight is easy until you go in there and make it look easy.

 

“I’m going to do what I do. I put in the work in the gym and then I do work in the ring. The fans are going to enjoy what they see and we’re going to come out victorious.

 

“All I know is my situation. My back is against the wall. I want to be the heavyweight world champion and I want to be great in the sport. Fighting guys like this and beating them is what makes me great. Even as a two-time champion, my back has always been against the wall.

 

“There’s so much talent in Philadelphia, there has been for generations. You come to the city and see the stars. Philly is a rough city, it’s a tough hardcore city and you need to be cut from a special cloth to come out of the city and be successful.

 

“People came together for a cause to try and help my family. The boxing community got us to Pittsburgh in time for my daughter Kennedy to get her heart transplant. Indebted doesn’t event match how we feel, I owe the boxing community everything and I wish I could pay them back double. What I can do is continue to stay in shape and prepare right and give everyone the fights that they want to see.

[On his 9-year-old daughter Kennedy’s heart transplant which took place seven months ago in Pittsburgh]

 

“We’re going to take everything we’ve done in past camps and fine-tune it for this fight. Naazim has the plan and we’re going to execute it. It’s not just going to be outworking him, I’m a veteran too. I’ve been in the lion’s den and won.

 

“I don’t underestimate anybody. I just prepare and we’re prepared for the best Antonio Tarver we’ve ever seen.”

 

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny Garcia’s Father & Trainer

 

“Danny’s going to be ready on August 1 to show the world that he’s ready. The power is there. He’s coming like a lion in the night. He’s going to eat everybody up at 147.

 

“At the end of the day, you gotta fight. He’s not going to win running around. We’re coming to smash you.”

 

NAAZIM RICHARDSON, Cunningham’s Trainer

 

“With Steve you have to gauge the camp differently. He comes into camp in such good shape; he lives it because he’s in this shape year round.

 

“He’s in such good shape, he throws your timing off. There are things that you want to do, but you don’t have to because he’s there. He’s already looking very good in camp.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.com,www.PruCenter.com, www.dbe1.comand www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham,  @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCente,@PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSport and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi,www.facebook.com/barclayscenter,www.facebook.com/ESPN ,www.Facebook.com/PruCenterand www.Facebook.com/Spike.

Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Antonio Tarver believes He is destined to be oldest World heavyweight champion

Leave a comment

 

Preparing to sink Steve “USS” Cunningham Aug. 14 on Spike TV

MIAMI (July 21, 2015) – Five-time world champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver(31-6, 22 KOs) honestly believes that he is destined to become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history.

 

Before he gets a world title shot against fellow 1996 Olympian Wladimir Klitschko, the universally recognized world heavyweight champion, Tarver realizes that he has to get past former two-time IBF champion Steve “USS” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs) in their 12-round heavyweight showdown August 14 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

 

WBA #9 Tarver vs. IBF #6/WBC #14 Cunningham is the main event on a Premier Boxing Champions series show airing live on Spike TV, the same network Tarver serves as its boxing color commentator.

 

“I know my purpose will set me apart from some great champions,” Tarver remarked. “I am supposed to be world heavyweight champion. I don’t know how but I will be world heavyweight champion. I truly believe that it is my destiny. Cunningham can’t stop me and neither can (Deontay) Wilder; he can’t learn enough to beat me. I’ll knock him out and get the one guy I really want to fight, Klitschko. When I beat him it’ll be the greatest story in boxing history. All the disbelievers will have to believe in ‘Magic Man!’

 

“Three years ago, I was buried six-feet under but they forgot to put dirt on me. Champions have to have resolve. I could have quit a lot of times. My resolve will make me world champion once again. No fighter has ever struggled like me and overcoming those struggles will make me world champion again.”

 

The ever popular Tarver realizes that, at 46, he isn’t the same fighter he as was in his early to mid-thirties, especially during a four-year, nine-fight murderous stretch between 2002-2006. As one of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighters, he shocked nearly invincible Roy Jones, Jr. in two of three fights, split a pair with Glen Johnson, defeated Montell Griffin, Eric Harding and Reggie Johnson, and lost to Bernard Hopkins.

 

“I know I’m getting older because the calendar flips over once a year,” Tarver said, “but I don’t look at it as me getting old. I’m not saying I don’t wake up in pain during training camp without minor injuries, but nothing can stop me.

 

“It’s not an accident that I still have my speed and quickness. I am better today in many respects because I’m smarter from all of my experience.”

 

Known as one of the greatest defensive fighters ever, Tarver is fighting for his legacy and rightful place in the Hall of Fame after he finally retires. And now comes news that he will become a grandfather in September. “When I do decide to retire,” Tarver concluded, “I’ll hand the torch to my son, (undefeated middleweight prospect), Antonio Tarver, Jr.”

 

Not only does Antonio Tarver believe he’s destined to become the oldest world heavyweight champion, he will become the first to do so as a grandfather.

 

www.OfficialAntonioTarver.com

 

@MagicMan5XChamp
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANTONIO TARVER AND STEVE CUNNINGHAM TO MEET IN HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

Leave a comment

 

Cruiserweight World Champion Marco Huck Takes On

Undefeated Contender Kryzsztof Glowacki

 

Tickets On Sale Friday!

 

NEWARK, NJ (July 9, 2015) – Former world champions are set to collide as Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) takes on Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight showdown as Premier Boxing Champions on Spike comes to Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Friday, August 14.

 

Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT with cruiserweight world champion Marco Huck (38-2-1, 26 KOs) squaring off against undefeated Polish standout Krysztof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight title bout. Also featured will be exciting heavyweight contender Artur Szpilka (19-1, 14 KOs) looking for his third straight knockout.

 

Undercard action begins at 6:00 p.m. ET with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. ET.

 

“I’m thrilled to be part of this great fight on Spike,” said Tarver. “I take nothing away from Steve Cunningham, who is a proven veteran who is always in good shape.  It’s going to be a great fight.  This is a challenge I wanted and needed.  August 14, I’m going to let people know I still got the ‘Magic.”

 

“This is a fight I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Cunningham. “Tarver is a big name in boxing and I’m looking forward to this shot. I do my talking in the ring. August 14, be prepared for a great fight. The USS Cunningham will be prepared for battle because this is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and facility fee and go on sale Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office beginning Monday, July 13 at 11 a.m.

 

“On August 14th, Spike’s own Antonio Tarver puts everything on the line against the inspirational Steve ‘USS’ Cunningham in a heavyweight matchup that is a must-win for both fighters,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We are proud that the show will open with international cruiserweight star Marco Huck defending his cruiserweight supremacy for the first time on U.S. soil against undefeated Polish challenger Krzysztof Glowacki.”

 

“Antonio is a true champion behind the microphone and inside the ring,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports, Spike TV. “It’s only fitting that Spike televise this great event between Tarver and Cunningham.  We’re looking forward to an exciting night of boxing.”

 

“We are excited to welcome Premier Boxing Champions and Spike to Prudential Center this summer as we continue to expand our live sports programming,” said Sean Saadeh, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Programming for Prudential Center. “Live heavyweight action is as exciting as it gets in boxing and we look forward to an enthusiastic audience in Newark and around the world.”

 

The 46-year-old Tarver, a former world champion at light heavyweight, who has worked as a ringside analyst on all four PBC on Spike cards, looks to make his mark on the heavyweight division. A bronze medalist for the U.S. at the 1996 Olympics, Tarver turned pro in 1997 and won his first 16 professional fights. In 2003 he won his first world title by defeating Montell Griffin and in 2004 he became the first man to knockout Roy Jones Jr. The Tampa, Florida-native has won four straight fights heading into this matchup and most recently defeated Johnathon Banks by seventh round knockout.

 

Representing the great fight city of Philadelphia, Cunningham will look to put on a show just a short drive up the interstate from his hometown. A former world champion at cruiserweight, he defeated Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in 2006 to capture his belt before defending his title against Marco Huck via a twelfth-round TKO. He became a world champion again in 2010 when he stopped Troy Ross in the fifth round. Most recently the 38-year-old defeated previously unbeaten fighters Amir Mansour and Natu Visinia.

 

A pro since 2004, the 30-year-old Huck will make his U.S. debut on Aug. 14 when he defends his cruiserweight title in Newark. His first crack at a world title was a successful one as he defeated Victor Ramirez in Aug. 2009. He went on to defend his title eight times before moving up in weight to the heavyweight division. He returned to cruiserweight in 2012 and captured another world title by defeating Firat Arslan. Serbian-born, but fighting out of Berlin, he will make the fourth defense of his title on Aug. 14.

 

A pro since 2008, the Walcz, Poland-born Glowacki makes his first start outside of his native country when he comes to Newark on Aug. 14. The 28-year-old has walked through contenders Matty Askin, Varol Vekiloglu and Thierry Karl on his way to a shot at a world title. Most recently he won a unanimous decision over the experienced Nuri Seferi in Jan. 2015.

 

The 26-year-old Szpilkawill look to build on his most recent PBC on Spike success, as he deliveredFriday night knockouts in April and June over Ty Cobb and Manuel Quezada, respectively. The Polish heavyweight’s biggest victory came in November 2014 when he defeated longtime contender Tomasz Adamek by unanimous decision. He returns to fight in New Jersey for the second time in his career in August.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.comand www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.Facebook.com/PruCenterand www.Facebook.com/Spike.

 

About Prudential Center

Prudential Center is a world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of theNational Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 10 nationally by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and welcomes 1.75 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit PruCenter.com and Facebook, and follow @PruCenter on Twitter.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANDRE BERTO STOPS JOSESITO LOPEZ IN DEBUT PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TV SHOW IN FRONT OF A BOISTEROUS CROWD AT CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIF.

Leave a comment

SHAWN PORTER GETS THE STOPPAGE AGAINST AN IMPRESSIVE ERICK BONE

 

HEAVYWEIGHT CHIRS ARREOLA WINS A UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST A TOUGH CURTIS HARPER

ONTARIO, CALIF. (March 13, 2015) – The first Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card on Spike TV delivered on it’s promise to bring fight fans a great night of boxing match-ups.  The night’s main event featured Andre “The Beast” Berto (30-3, 23 KOs), who recorded an impressive stoppage of Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez (33-7, 19 KOs) in front of a very lively crowd at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

 

The opening televised bout saw Shawn “Showtime” Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) stop a spirited Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs), who was tabbed to fill in as the last-minute replacement for Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia.

 

In the swing bout, heavyweight sensation Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) managed to win a hard fought battle against Curtis Harper (12-4, 8 KOs). It appeared that the bout was destined for early stoppage after a near KO by Arreola in the first round. However, Harper was able to compose himself and force the fight to go the distance.

 

Below are some notable comments from the televised fighters regarding their performance tonight:

 

ANDRE BERTO

 

“I thought I did OK tonight. I was getting in my groove those first couple rounds, and then I realized he couldn’t hurt me. Then I let my hands go.

 

“The jab kept him away. I was using it to beat him up and get to his face. I was catching him with the jab all night. I felt strong after that first time I knocked him down.

 

“Josesito is a tough fighter. He took all my jabs and more.

 

“This is an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait for the numbers. They’ll show that PBC is for real.

 

“I don’t know what’s next just yet. I’m going to relax with my family and then talk to Al Haymon and see what he has in store for me.”

 

JOSESITO LOPEZ

 

“I wasn’t 100% tonight. I ruined my left hand in the third round. I just wasn’t at my best. I had opportunities. I just couldn’t get to him.

 

“I wasn’t doing much well for the ability that I have. I just couldn’t snap off the punches that I wanted to. He was there to get hit, but I couldn’t get it done.

 

“The first knockdown he caught me and I rolled my ankle a little, but I was fine. This stoppage was 10 times worse than the Maidana stoppage. I wasn’t unstable or hurt tonight and I could have kept going.

 

“Berto is just tough. I didn’t see anything that I couldn’t beat though. If it wasn’t for the stoppage then I think I could have beat him. He was resilient, but his jabs weren’t great.

 

“I want to keep fighting the best. Losing sucks and I wasn’t ready for it tonight. I bring out my best when I fight the best.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“I thought I gave a great performance tonight, but I could have done a better job of listening to what my corner was asking of me. I could have been a lot sharper tonight.

 

“The faints worked for me. We wanted to mix it up and set him up with the jab. Once I got to his body it was over. My mistake was taking shots to give shots.

 

“Bone was impressive on tape, but I wasn’t really sure what to expect tonight. He was strong and quick though. He came to fight.

 

“I don’t know what happened with Garcia. I think it’s unprofessional not making weight. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family though because I know they were looking forward to tonight.

 

“We did it our way tonight. I hope I was able to please the fans. At the end of the day we’re going to learn from what happened here tonight.

 

“I’m not sure what’s next, but I’m healthy and ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible. We’ll take all comers.”

 

ERICK BONE

 

“Everything was going well and then in the second round my knee gave out and it affected my performance the rest of the fight. I don’t want to make any excuses though. I tried to give it my all.

 

“I normally fight at 140. So again I don’t want to make excuses, but my opponent had a lot of leverage tonight.

 

“Tonight I learned to stick to my weight class at 140. It’s very tough to jump a weight class overnight, but I did what I could.

 

“It’s an honor to be showcased like this. Where I come from these things don’t happen very often and I consider this a blessing.

 

“We’re going to keep fighting at 140. Whoever they want to put in front of me at 140 I’ll welcome the fight.”

 

CHRIS ARREOLA

 

“I give myself a “D” overall tonight. I just wasn’t throwing enough combos.

 

“Whenever I threw punches it was working for me. I just have to stay more active in the ring.

 

“Harper is a tough man. I caught him with a lot of good punches and he hung in there very well.

 

“PBC has a great new platform for the masses to see me do what I do. It’s great to have the sport of boxing back in primetime!

 

“I want to get back in the ring the sooner the better. I’m ready to get back in the gym and work as soon as possible.”

 

CURTIS HARPER

 

“I came in sluggish. I’ve got to perform better. All the action in the first round did help to get the nerves out of the way though.

 

“I was doing well establishing the jab, but I need to move my head more. I was too patient overall. I’ve got to be more aggressive.

 

“Chris is a tough, strong kid. Considering where he’s been and who he’s fought I think I did well tonight.

 

“I’m blessed and happy to be here on this stage. I’d love to keep fighting on PBC cards.

 

“Thanks to PBC and all the fans. This is another day and another dollar, but I’m ready for more.”

 

# # #

 

The fight card was promoted by Goossen Promotions. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing and www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

HEAVYWEIGHT STAR CHRIS ARREOLA SET TO MAKE RETURN ONMARCH 13 FROM THE CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIF.

Leave a comment

ONTARIO, CALIF (Feb. 27, 2015) – Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (35-4, 31 KOs) returns to the ring on Friday, March 13 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.

 

The action-packed card features a pair of exciting main events as Andre Berto goes up against Josesito Lopez and Shawn Porter battles Roberto Garcia on the debut of PBC on Spike TV. The televised bouts on Spike TV begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“I’m itching to get back in the ring and show that I’m still going after my dream of being heavyweight champion of the world,” said Arreola. “This is a wonderful platform for me to fight with Premier Boxing Champions and I couldn’t be more excited to fight in front of my fans here in California.”

 

Born in Escondido, Calif. but fighting out of Los Angeles, Arreola has long been one of the most feared punchers in the heavyweight division. He was a 2001 National Golden Gloves champion who turned pro in 2003 and slowly began his rise up the heavyweight rankings. In 2009, having already captured a number of regional belts, Arreola challenged Vitali Klitschko for the heavyweight world title at Staples Center in Los Angeles. He took the champ deep into the fight before retiring in the tenth round, but he did not let that deter him from continuing towards his championship goals.

 

After dropping a tough decision to Tomasz Adamek in 2010, Arreola pushed his way back into title contention with six-straight victories before he got a chance against Bermane Stiverne in 2013. In their first fight, Arreola lost a unanimous decision but earned himself another fight against Stiverne, this time for the heavyweight world championship. In an action-packed fight, Arreola was stopped in the sixth-round.

 

Now, Arreola looks to return to his winning ways in a familiar setting. This will be the 33-year-old’s fifth time fighting at Citizen’s Business Bank Arena and his tenth time fighting in Ontario, Calif. If his winning ways return, he could put himself back in the world title mix.

 

The fight card is promoted by Goossen Promotions, which has promoted all of Arreola’s professional fights.

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.axs.com.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreBerto, @JosesitoLopez, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AmenazaGarcia and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing andwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANTONIO TARVER AND JIMMY SMITH NAMED COLOR ANALYSTS FOR “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” SERIES ON SPIKE TV

Leave a comment
New York, NY, February 19, 2015 – Spike TV has added some serious punch to their “Premier Boxing Champions” series announce-team. Five-time, two-division world champion boxer Antonio Tarver and popular Bellator announcer and former professional MMA fighter, Jimmy Smith, will serve as color analysts for Spike TV’s inaugural season of “Premier Boxing Champions.”
Spike TV’s first “Premier Boxing Champions” event will take place on Friday, March 13 at 9:00pm ET/PT from the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. The event will showcase two marquee match-ups including Andre Berto vs. Josesito Lopez and Shawn Porter vs. Robert Garcia. Spike will announce the color commentator shortly.
Tarver and Smith complete Spike’s “Premier Boxing Champions” announce team which includes Dana Jacobson as host and Scott Hansen as blow-by-blow announcer.
“We are thrilled to add two dynamic and knowledgeable voices who each possess their own unique perspectives of combat sports,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports and Branded Entertainment. “Antonio delivers a huge personality with a championship pedigree and Jimmy will bring his incredible insight and energy that he has for MMA to boxing.”
Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver, from Tampa Fla, had one of the sport’s most-decorated amateur careers. In 1995, he became the only fighter to have won the Pan American, U.S. National Championships, and World Championships in the same year.  After winning the bronze medal in 1996 Olympics, he turned pro and ascended the ranks of light heavyweight division. In 2003, Tarver defeated Montell Griffith in the biggest win in his career up to that point to claim the IBF and WBC title belts. After a tough 12-round decision loss to Roy Jones Jr, Tarver avenged that bitter defeat with an incredible 2nd round knockout of Jones Jr., shocking and amazing boxing fans worldwide. After splitting two fights with Glen Johnson, Tarver topped Jones Jr. with a 12-round decision victory in the third fight of their memorable trilogy. The 46-year-old Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) is on a mission to become the oldest heavyweight champion of the world.  He is currently world-rated in the heavyweight division at No. 5 by the IBO and No. 9 by the WBA. His last fight (Dec. 11, 2014) resulted in an impressive seventh-round knockout of 29-2-1 Johnathon Banks. He has also served as a color commentator for Showtime Championship Boxing and starred opposite Sylvester Stallone in the feature film “Rocky Balboa” as the character “Mason Dixon.”
Jimmy Smith is currently the color analyst for Bellator MMA on Spike TV. Smith began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in in 2000 while at UCLA and became a professional MMA fighter in 2003.  Smith compiled a 5-1 record before retiring in 2006 to focus on a television career. Smith starred in the Discovery Channel show, “Fight Quest,” where he traveled the world learning different fight disciplines. He joined Bellator in 2010 and has served as its lead color analyst ever since, partnering with blow-by-blow announcer, Sean Wheelock.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.