The doors are locked and the
windows are shuttered. No one is allowed to look in as
boxing superstar Antonio Tarver prepared for the fight of
his life. His opponent? Rocky Balboa. But even though
Tarver’s acting debut as Mason “The Line” Dixon in the
sixth Rocky film - entitled “Rocky Balboa” - sees him
portraying a fictional heavyweight champion, “The Magic
Man” believes that in this case, art may soon be imitating
life.
“Mason Dixon is a very brash, very skillful heavyweight
champion,” said Tarver, taking a break from a hectic
filming schedule. “Unfortunately, he came along at a time
when the heavyweight division is much like it is today, and
people are remembering the great days when Rocky Balboa was
on top. It must have been a fortune teller who wrote the
script because that’s what we’re gunning for in the near
future. Acting in this film gives me an opportunity to
really feel what being the heavyweight champion of the world
is all about.”
Promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing believes Tarver is a
natural for Hollywood. “Boxing fans have known for years
how charismatic Antonio is,” said DeGuardia. “Now the
entire world will see ‘The Magic Man’ not only as a
spectacular fighter, but as a true superstar.”
Now checking in at a solid 200 pounds, Tarver, the current
light heavyweight champion, is enjoying his first foray into
the world of filmmaking. “Believe it or not, there are a
lot of similarities to getting ready for a fight,” said
Tarver. “It’s just preparation. Working with a guy like
Sylvester Stallone, he’s a perfectionist, he truly
believes in this movie, and he wants the best. That’s why
I’m here, to help him realize his vision.” Stallone, who
is the writer, director, and star of Rocky Balboa, says,
“Antonio Tarver is a spectacular fighter and a fantastic
find who will bring the ultimate realism to this film. This
is the only time in history where a reigning world champion
is playing a reigning world champion.”
That experience has helped Tarver adjust to the acting life,
and it also makes the fight scenes some of the most
realistic ever committed to film. “We’ve been working a
lot of long hours and I think the people are going to be
surprised at how real this is,” said Tarver. “People
won’t know the difference between a fight with me and Roy
Jones Jr. and a fight with me and Rocky Balboa. The contact,
the intensity, this is what’s going to sell this movie.
When they say ‘lights, camera, action,’ this is going be
a real fight.”
And once shooting wraps up for Tarver in mid-January,
he’ll be back in the gym to get ready for his next great
adventure in the ring. “I’m looking to go on to bigger
and better things, and I’m going to be taking it to the
next level,” said Tarver. “I think the heavyweight
division is in dire need of CPR and I’m gonna be the
breath of fresh air.”
