Wladimir Klitschko vs. Antonio Tarver in 2011?
September 30th, 2010
By Matt Stein: Believe it or not, IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KO’s) could be facing 42-year-old Antonio Tarver (27-6, 19 KO’s) of all fighters in 2011, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. Mannix says “One name Klitschko went out of his way to mention as a possible opponent next year is Antonio Tarver.” This sounds like a nice little mismatch for Klitschko and another opportunity for him to milk his title.
Currently, Klitschko is in negotiations with Britsh and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Derek Chisora for a fight on December 11th. That fight is the equivalent of a veteran pro against a mere novice, as Chisora has yet to cut his teeth on top level opposition.
It’s a move that seems to have been done far too late for Tarver to have any real chance of success. However, Tarver could take a page out of former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek’s playbook by focusing on beatable heavyweights without much speed to fight. If Tarver can beat Aguilera and perhaps another one or two soft heavyweights, he could find himself in a title fight with Klitschko for big money without having to earn a shot by beating a top contender.
This is exactly what 38-year-old Shannon Briggs has done in getting a title fight with Wladimir’s brother WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. all Briggs had to do was beat a small handful of 2nd tier fighters, and presto, he’s been awarded a shot against Vitali. It helps Briggs that he has a recognizable name to the hardcore boxing fans and an impressive knockout percentage to get the casual boxing fans interested in the fight. However, it’s likely to be a gross mismatch, as would likely be the case if Wladimir ends up fighting Tarver next year. Tarver is going to have to be extra careful against Aguilera because he can punch and Tarver hasn’t looked good in his last two fights.
Tags: 25 Responses to “Wladimir Klitschko vs. Antonio Tarver in 2011?”
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Yo USA JOE!
Its not about country. Its about tribe. Id feel more akin to someone like Joshua Clotty and hes from Ghana than Antonio Tarver. Just like if I were a mexican american of Indian origin I would root for Juan Manuel Lopez if he was fighting someone anglo looking for the USA like Sergio Mora or Oscar. Remember Empires come and go. And what they stand for aint exactly Kosher. (slavery?) Contrary to what you believe many people might really admire Tarver’s shiny bald head on an unconcience level.
This guy bernie is a UNCLE TOM. I am an American I don’t care what it is Boxing, basketball, or even fishing. I support my people! I never said that Tarver would win but it is Possible. And who the hell are you bernie? You sure know a lot about tarver and all of his accomplishments, I don’t care about his smooth head he could have an AFRO for crying out loud the guy is one of our very own! So for the record BERNIE I hope your ringside when he KNOCKS Klitschko the hell OUT!! And maybe I’ll throw you a bone.
Most of you on this Blog have been entertained by Antonio Tarver by his appearance in the last Rocky movie, most of you think his wife is very pretty and a true testiment to his God given talents, most of you admire the shape of his smooth head, most of you admire his no bull—- way of telling like it is. I dont care if he is from the good old USA or somewhere like Katmandou, this Brother is having delusions about even fighting Wlad never mind beating him. He wont even get by Aguilera unless Antonio knows something in the medical report. I would guarantee that Wlad would put his foot where the sun doesn’ shine while throwing Tarver a bone.
I don’t know if fighting Klitschko is a great idea for Tarver, but I do know that I am I true American so if Tarver has enough heart to get in there and bring that belt back to America I’m with him.
If Tarver is fast enough to stay away from the jab, and get inside he’s good. And ONLY if he’s strong enough Klitschko will go down. Just go back to the Corrie Sanders fight. The big guy can go down
Although I am a fan of the known underdog Tarver, Klitschko is just way TOO big. But hey this is what boxing is all about. Tarver has never been cut. This is what true Champs are made of, beat the best to be the best! The world awaits. Showtime/HBO this will be David and Goliath.
This fight may actually be the biggest fight of 2011. Tarver has the name Klitschko has the fame.. I’ll pay to see it
Antonio Magic Man Tarver will make all you who doubt him believe in Magic. He’s not four time light heavyweight just because! Moving up will be no different, he will be bigger, stronger,and even at 41 he is most definitely faster then Klitschko. And not to mention one of boxing best defensive fighters. Sure Wladimir will be his toughest challenge yet but don’t think for one second that Wladimir Klitschko doesn’t have a FIGHT on his hands.
Raisinette dome Tarver hasn’t shown me much recently (although surprisingly – he does a fairly good job as commentator), so I don’t see him winning many HW fights. Even of the smaller guys, he’d be stymied… Chambers would out speed him, Adamek is too tough, fast, and takes a solid punch well (and Tarver won’t have power at HW), Minto is too tough… list goes on and on. He will probably beat 2 or 3 fringe HWs, get his shot against Wlad, get KTFO early, and go back to commentating. End of story.
This blog sounds too fishy! I believe these people that have posted here are paid by BoxingNews to exault the biggest bum in boxing for the last 3 years. As a matter of fact there is a hard smell of male brazilian wax that permeates this farce of advertisement. You hear me boys!
Tarver could probably do ok against small heavyweights like Adamak or Haye but he is just not big enough for the big guys.
A good pay day for antonio,but c,mon man.
If this fight happens, I’d actually be interested in the outcome. Taver, at 42, would likely be the most skilled boxer Klitchko faced.
tarver wins in three
This ain’t a fight, it’s showbusiness!
This fight will be a joke if it happens.
They could show that fight on one of those faces of death videos
Another soft defence the k bros are the worst champs ever
Look, don’t make it seem as if the Klitschko’s aren’t trying to fight the divisions best………………they just will not get in the ring with them. It’s a lot better than being inactive waiting on a big fight like B-hop does every time.
ha ha ha, thats a joke, right??
the k bros cant get enough of this bums, briggs & now tarver, cmon y dont they fight each other…. nah it would be tooooo booooring.
Milking his title !!? Moron, he is fighting everyone out there who dares to meet him.
Dam im tired of all these whining Americans.
The Klitschkos has and will be ruling the division for a long time.
Anyone who was in Rocky is fine by me. Come on Mason!
Once the Klitchkos retire the Heavyweight division will be alive again imagine these fights.. Adamek vs Haye – Areola vs Peters or Solis – Chambers vs K.Johnson – Tarver vs Toney….. klitchkos are too damn big and are boring as hell to watch.. once theyre gone it will be alive again!!
No way Jose! If this fight takes place I will eat a bug. Never in a million years.
Are you Antonio Tarver’s publicity agent, Mr Stein? The real headline should read “Tarver meets Gabe Brown in the fight of the century”. Don’t be freakin ridiculous! You know an Armidillo can waste in 2 places at once.