When Antonio Tarver Challenged Roy Jones Jr.'s Defense! It Was A Night To Remember.

History of Boxing recaps Roy Jones's fight against Antonio Tarver. It was a legendary fight.

For years, Roy Jones Jr. dominated professional boxing, climbing weight classes and securing titles. He dreamed of heavyweight bouts with legends like Tyson and Holyfield, but negotiations fell through, leading Jones back to light heavyweight. There, Antonio Tarver was eager to challenge him.

Their rivalry peaked on November 8, 2003, in Las Vegas, with three world titles at stake. Jones, typically composed, struggled against Tarver's tall, southpaw stance. Despite some success, Jones found himself in unfamiliar trouble, and after the seventh round, his face bore the marks of Tarver's punches.

Though Tarver had strong moments, he lost momentum in the 11th round. Judges unanimously favored Jones, but many saw the fight as a draw. Jones' performance was criticized, with fans and experts noting his diminished agility. Jones blamed the fight's strain on his weight cut.

The rivalry intensified when Tarver claimed he was "robbed" of victory, leading to an immediate rematch. In a tense pre-match moment, Tarver taunted Jones. Despite Jones initially dominating the first round, the second round was a turning point. Tarver's sudden left hook sent Jones crashing to the canvas, marking Jones' first knockout defeat and exposing his vulnerability.

Before their third fight, both Jones and Tarver lost to Glen Johnson. Jones controversially brought his father back into his corner after 12 years, a decision he later regretted. In the third bout, Tarver won by unanimous decision, and Jones suffered his third consecutive loss.

Jones' era ended with further defeats by Calzaghe, Green, Hopkins, and Lebedev. Tarver's career also faced challenges, with losses to Hopkins and Dawson.

Watch the full, gripping story here: