Antonio Tarver is answering a question from the media during a conference call. His tone is even and controlled while he deals with the immediate query–Does he (Tarver) see improvement in April 12 opponent, Clinton Woods, over Woods’ last few fights? Suddenly seeming uncomfortable complimenting a future opponent, Tarver’s speech accelerates and his volume rises in keeping with an increasingly self-centered response.
Boxing promotions are full of such things and usually this writer tunes out these rants and instead relies on his ubiquitous micro/digital recorder to collect these tirades for later dissection, should a useful quote be found in them.
There are, essentially, two types of pre-fight commentary from professional boxers. The first goes something like this: “I am the greatest fighter in; history, the division, at the moment, pound for pound, etc., and any losses on my record are the result of; managerial distraction, injury, taking the fight on short notice, a bad night, a lack of motivation, etc.”
The second is more simple: “I have trained as hard as possible and am confident that I will win.”
This last one is less quotable, since it lacks chest-thumping flair, but it places the fight where it belongs–in the ring. Also, these quotes are from fighters whom the writer typically respects the most.
Two of the more physically gifted fighters of the last decade are Tarver and Zab Judah. Both possess speed, power, and reflexes that most pugs can only dream of, and each has largely squandered his talent. Sure they have had world titles and, yes, they have fought the best, but neither has earned what fighters want the most. Respect.
Because they have gotten by on talent and have lacked the humility to be disciplined, Tarver and Judah find themselves deep into what could have been Hall of Fame careers, still trying to be who they always knew they were capable of being, but now they struggle with the added burden of diminishing physical gifts. One can hear the frustration in their voices.
The truth is, these aren’t the kind of men (Tarver and Judah) the writer wants his two young sons to emulate. Boxers, after all, are simple human beings with an extraordinary occupation. Their humanity, and its requisite humility, should come first. Tarver and Judah possess a level of talent for boxing that most folks, no matter the sport or vocation, cannot approach, but one cannot draw a direct correlation from a given degree of talent, to its equal degree of success.
A humility that drives preparation and discipline opens doors of success to all. Therefore, it is the Micky Wards and Israel Vazquez’s of the boxing world that should be set before children as, not simply fighters, but people, that they should emulate.
What a splendid piece of work. And one I agree with entirely.
Tarver could not be more unlike his next opponent Clinton Woods, who is a down to earth, decent, funny bloke.
Ricky Hatton - there’s another guy out the same mould.
Good stuff.
(Bob Westerdale is a fight writer for the Sheffield Star. Bill).
Thanks for the kind words, Bob. Yes, Woods and Hatton belong in the same category. I wish there were room to list all those who do, including all the club fighters who are doing the best they can with what God has given them.