Antonio Tarver shouldn’t be defined by one punch. “The Magic Man” had a long, decorated boxing career both as an amateur and professional, winning an Olympic bronze medal in 1996 and reigning as light heavyweight champion three times over a stellar five-year period as a pro. That alone made him one of the best of his era. Let’s face it, however: Tarver is best known for a split second on an unforgettable May night in 2004. That’s when a left hand from the depths of hell knocked pound-for-pound king and all-time great Roy Jones Jr. down and out in the second round of their second fight, one of the most indelible moments in the history of a sport rich in lore. FORMER LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP, WHO FINALLY ENTERS THE HALL OF FAME WITH THE CLASS OF 2026 By Michael Rosenthal It Must be Magic If Tarver hadn’t fully demonstrated his greatness before Jones II, he certainly did in that fight. The achievement was the most significant reason he was finally able to overcome two failed drug tests late in his career to earn the ultimate prize in boxing 11 years after his last fight: induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which will take place in June. WHILE ANTONIO TARVER MAY HAVE BEEN KRYPTONITE FOR SUPERMAN ROY JONES JR., THERE WAS SO MUCH MORE TO THE
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