"It remains to be seen if I stay at cruiserweight. I know there's a lot of cruiserweights out there, but they've got to bring something to the table. I've made my name and proven I'm the best. Right now, if I'm going to take a risk, it has to equal the reward. They have nothing to lose if they fight me and I just can't give that away. I'm a businessman and if it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense. I didn't go to Australia for nothing. I want those heavyweights to give me the same opportunity all the cruiserweights are hoping I give them. I want a title shot against a big name guy for the heavyweight title. That's my ultimate goal," stated IBO cruiserweight champion Antonio Tarver, who made it clear that he's looking for a big fight and IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham does not factor into those plans. You don't want to miss what else he had to say about potential rematches with Danny Green, Bernard Hopkins, or a move back to the heavyweight division. Check it out!
DK: Champ, congrats on the recent win over Danny Green for the IBO cruiserweight title. How are you feeling?
AT: Feeling real good; relaxed right now, but anxious to get back to work and just glad I was able to bring the IBO title home to the U.S. Of course it was an important fight for me because I was able to dedicate the victory to my late friend Nick Charles. Danny Green does have a rematch clause, so if he decides to exercise it, he's next. Other potential options are [Bernard] Hopkins, [David] Haye, and of course I still have dreams of fighting for a heavyweight title. But Green has first option and if he exercises the clause, the rematch would be definitely in November or December, in Australia, most likely in his home of Perth.
DK: Will you take another cruiserweight fight if it's not Green?
AT: It remains to be seen if I stay at cruiserweight. I know there's a lot of cruiserweights out there, but they've got to bring something to the table. I've made my name and proven I'm the best. Right now, if I'm going to take a risk, it has to equal the reward. They have nothing to lose if they fight me and I just can't give that away. I'm a businessman and if it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense. I didn't go to Australia for nothing. I want those heavyweights to give me the same opportunity all the cruiserweights are hoping I give them. I want a title shot against a big name guy for the heavyweight title. That's my ultimate goal.
DK: I'll bet you know what my next question is going to be then.
AT: (Laughing) Maybe, but go ahead and ask.
DK: I got a chance to talk to widely-regarded number one cruiserweight and fellow American Steve Cunningham the other day. He feels like you are ducking him. He said to be the best, you have to beat the best. Why isn't his name being mentioned in the conversation?
AT: I have the IBO title. Why are they calling me out? They know who the best in the divison is. This guy has lost twice; none have been to Antonio Tarver. They want the credibility of a big name fighter just to get paid. Tell his people to make me an offer I can't refuse. If he's willing to give up some of the money, have Showtime and HBO and his people make me an offer and stop stalking me on Twitter.
DK: Well, it's funny you said that because Cunningham said he is willing to give you the brunt of the purse for the fight.
AT: Right now, I know what I'm getting with Danny Green and I guarantee they can't beat that offer. I'm a businessman. I'm 42 years old and I just can't give myself away for nothing anymore. I've proven myself and I know what I'm worth. There's a lot of guys out there for him. Unify the title with Marco Huck and build something and then come see me. I have nothing to gain from that fight and he gains everything. I'm not trying to reign on his parade, but he don't want me to start talking because I'll expose that crap from him. He's got nobody on his resume. If Troy Ross almost knocked him out of the ring, I'd knock him out. Steve Cunningham better stay in his lane and don't get hit by this freight train.
DK: You've mentioned in the past you want to fight one last time in your home state of Florida. Is that something you see in the future?
AT: I think my Orlando is ready. That's my home town. Some people have already said they are ready to help promote it and put something together. I just don't know when and where. I went and fought B-Hop in Atlantic City and that's only a couple hours from his home in Philly. Maybe he can return the favor if he gets by Dawson. I guarantee we could sellout 15,000 in Amway Arena.
DK: Any final thoughts Champ?
AT: I appreciate you getting all sides of the story. You know I'm always going to keep it real. I just want to let the fans know to follow me on Twitter @AntonioTarver, and on Facebook also at Antionio Tarver. 40 is the new 20 and we're gonna prove that the next few years to come.
[ Follow David Kassel on Twitter @BoxingObserver ]