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Jones vs. Tarver
November 8, 2003 Las Vegas, Nevada HBO PPV - 6pm
Tomorrow night on HBO Pay-Per-View, Roy Jones Jr. is going to try to recoup his light heavyweight titles that he vacated in order to go up to the heavyweight ranks and battle (and beat) WBA champion John Ruiz.
His obstacle?
WBC / IBF title holder Antonio Carver.
These two are no strangers as they fought once when they were kids in the amateur ranks (Jones Jr. won).
This time around it should be no different. Tarver hasn't really beaten anyone of Jones. Jr. skill.
Yes, Tarver beat Montell Griffin in his last fight by 12 round unanimous decision. And yes, Griffin did hand Jones. Jr. his only loss (by DQ). And yes, Griffin was ahead on all score cards at the time of the disqualification. But the scary thing about that is when Jones Jr. gets mad, he punishes his opponents. Ask Griffin, in their rematch, Jones Jr. knocked him out in the first round.
And for this fight, Jones. Jr. is mad. He hasn't appreciated the way Tarver has been taunting him.
To borrow a couple of lines from ROCKY III:
"What's your prediction for this fight?"
"Prediction....PAIN !"
Roy Jones Jr. will do what he wants, when he wants, however he wants. I get the feeling he'll want to punish Tarver for a while. I just can't see Tarver winning.
Jones. Jr. is just too fast and too strong. Hell, he beat a heavyweight. Granted, not the best heavyweight, but a middle tier heavyweight no less.
But playing devil's advocate, Jones Jr. admitted he was having a hard time making the weight. And that could show in this bout. He could be a step slower. He could lose some of the sting in his punches. And Tarver could box the fight of his life. But that's too many could's.
I believe Jones Jr. will win by knock out somewhere around the fourth round.
If ...When Jones Jr. wins, he has stated that he is interested in fighting "Iron" Mike Tyson. So many thoughts, so little time. We'll save that for another day.
I wish both fighters the best of luck, SN
BTW, I want to share two quotes from an HBO newsletter that I got:
A
note from Roy Jones: am still #1 and it's gonna be that way. This fight's about getting the title. I've got a pile of them at home. I don't want the belts...I just want to take them from you. Trust me, the first time I hit you, it's over. I'm gonna knock you out. You've been running your mouth, just wait until we get in the ring. On November 8th, Antonio, I'm coming for you!
Hear
what Antonio Tarver has to say: Unified Light Heavyweight Champion of the World. On November 8th there will be no more debate. Come on, Roy. You're the guy with all the accolades; the guy who is supposed to be unbeatable, invincible and
unstoppable. Bring it on! I'm ready and determined to shock the world. Roy
Jones, you're going down!
(11/6/03)
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