Rejuvenated Antonio Tarver Calls out David Haye

TEAM TARVER (L-R) -- Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso, Milo Thornton, Antonio Tarver, Jr., Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver, world-rated light heavyweight Yunieski Gonzalez, head trainer Orland Cuellar and cut-person Angela Mitchell.  (pictures by Don Sheperd) TAMPA (Dec. 18, 2014) - All five-time world champion Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) wants for Christmas is a signed contract to fight former two-division world champion David Haye (26-2, 24 KOs), ideally, during the first-quarter of 2015. Tarver had been sending direct tweets for the past six months to Haye, who hasn't fought in more than two years, without receiving a response. Coming off last week's impressive seventh-round knockout of veteran Johnathan Banks (29-3-1, 19 KOs), Tarver has taken off the proverbial gloves and he is now publically calling out Haye, who insists, once again, that he is coming out of retirement. "In a perfect world I will be fighting Haye early next year," Tarver said. "He keeps insisting that he's the second-biggest name in the heavyweight division I need him to be my set-up guy to beat in order for me to get a world title shot against Wladimir Klitschko. Haye has one-punch knockout ability and he's aggressive. Once I beat him, though, I want Klitschko. I will come to England and knockout Haye, knock him out cold. I'm 46, and I don't want to go through 12 guys like (Chris) Arreola, (Eddie) Chambers or (Steve) Cunningham to get Klitschko. He's waiting for me to lose so he doesn't have to fight me. I'm calling out Haye to get Klitschko. He talks a lot but the boxing world will see if Haye's serious about fighting again. Tarver vs. Haye is a huge fight in London. "I'm a star and I want to get paid. None of these cats know how to really promote a fight like Antonio Tarver. I'd prefer to fight Haye in Las Vegas but I'll come to England to KO his ass! I have the most powerful adviser in boxing, Al Haymon, and I've told him I want Haye next. If Haye announces he's coming out of retirement to fight somebody else, I'll be at that press conference to embarrass him, the same way I had to get my (Roy) Jones (Jr.) fight. I'm a throw-back fighter who can make a pay-per-view bonanza fighting Klitschko and the way to get that fight is by knocking out Haye. I doubt he'll fight me because he knows he can't beat me. I want David Haye in the UK! "No heavyweight can outbox me. They will have to knock me out to beat me and nobody's ever done that. I will become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history to cement my legacy. I'm coming for Klitschko after I KO Haye. I'm going to shoot a real-life Rocky movie with me chopping down Klitschko." Tarver also had some terse words for critics who complained during and after his recent fight that Banks was a weak opponent and their fight was a snoozer until the final round. "I hit him with a quick 1-2 and then he wouldn't stand in front of me because he felt my speed and power early," Tarver explained. "He didn't want to get hit with my counter-punches. I wish he had opened up and fought but he didn't exchange blows. Boxing is the art of self-defense but I don't see fighters today using their heads. Boxing is chess not checkers. I can box but, when I pick that lock like I did in the seventh round, I can knockout any heavyweight in the world. I don't think I was hit with one good punch. My reflexes and timing, even at 46, are second to none." Tarver initially suffered a now-fully-healed fractured thumb to his left hand, closer to the wrist, postponing the original September 29th fight date versus Banks. Tarver remained in the gym and put in the proper time and effort to stop Banks. "We created tough sparring sessions to prepare him for Banks," Tarver's head trainer Orlando Cuellar commented. "We knew Banks was dangerous and that he could crack. We just kept training and Antonio had to overcome a lot of physical obstacles during camp. He just kept going. He tried to do the impossible and did it. He showed a lot of movement, the ability to explode, and tremendous ring generalship. He sure didn't look 46 the way he cracked Banks. And he'll be 50-percent better in his next fight. "Antonio showed his dedication to improve in the gym. We had a good game plan but he had to do everything he worked on in the fight. His timing was good and he won every round. Banks came out planning to jump on Antonio but he tasted his power in the first 30 seconds and he then didn't want any part of it. He honestly exceeded what I expected and I didn't realize how good a finisher he is." If Santa Claus delivers a contract for him to fight Haye, he may as well give Tarver another display case, as well, to store the world heavyweight title belt Antonio plans to capture in 2015.

Antonio 'Magic Man' Tarver Not concerned about ring rust

Returns Thursday night on ESPN2 vs. Johnathon Banks in California

MIAMI (Dec. 8, 2014) - Five-time world champion Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (30-6, 21 KOs) won't be concerned about rust this Thursday night when he fights for the first time in more than a year against veteran Johnathan Banks (29-2-1, 19 KOs). Tarver-Banks is a 10-round heavyweight fight, presented on a Goossen Promotions card, airing live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. Tarver suffered a now-fully-healed fractured thumb to his left hand, closer to the wrist, postponing the original September 29th fight date versus Banks. The 1996 U.S. Olympian has had only five fights in the last six years. "I'm not concerned with rust," the cagey southpaw said. "If I'm rusty, it will only be until I'm hit. I've been trying to wear off ring rust with intelligent sparring but that's not like getting reps of a fight. "I have to beat a solid heavyweight with power like Banks to get where I want to be. I will become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history! He will be surprised by a lot of what I bring into the ring." Tarver has been training at the Brazilian Rocky Fight Club in Miami for the past three months to prepare for Thursday's fight with Banks, who trained world heavyweight champion Wladmir Klitschko for his recent knockout win over Kubrat Pulev. "I always stress to my fighters in the gym for them to work in rhythm and not be sluggish," Tarver's head trainer Orlando Cuellar explained. "Sluggishness and not fighting in rhythm are what shows when there's ring rust. You always worry about rust. I can honestly say Antonio hasn't looked rusty but, working in the gym and actual fighting are two different things, and we really won't really know until this week's fight. Antonio has always told me that he's not a good gym fighter but that, once the bell rings for the first round, he's a great fighter. "This is the first fight we've worked together and Antonio has done everything I've asked of him in training for the last three months. He took five days off to be examined by his personal doctor and other than that he's been working hard, even when he wore a cast. The first four weeks were tough for him because I train my fighters to stop and drop their opponent. It's high intensity work, much harder than most fighters go through, but he's given his all in workouts and sparring. With our experience, his as a fighter and me as a trainer, I expect nothing less than the best from Antonio. It'll be much easier for both of us, training-wise, for his next fight." The 46-year-old Tarver, fighting out of Tampa, was one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters during a 4-year, 9-fight stretch between 2002-2006, in which he had a 6-3 record, defeating Roy Jones, Jr. in two of three, splitting a pair with Glen Johnson, defeating Montell Griffin, Eric Harding and Reggie Johnson, and losing to Bernard Hopkins. Banks, 32, has been out of action even longer than Tarver, having last fought June 23, 2013 in a 12-round loss by unanimous decision to Seth Mitchell. ""Every fight is independent in itself," Tarver noted, "so, I can't say I've fought anybody like Banks. I have fought a lot of guys with power who know how to box. Everybody has two hands and two feet but he can only use one hand at a time. I simplify things. I will be in my best shape and I won't be surprised by whatever he brings into the ring." INFORMATION: www.OfficialAntonioTarver.com  @MagicMan5XChamp

Antonio 'Magic Man' Tarver Fighting for his legacy

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Returns Sept. 29 vs. Johnathon Banks in Texas MIAMI (September 4, 2014) - The long, arduous journey continues later this month for 5-time world light heavyweight champion and 2004 U.S. Olympian Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (30-6, 21 KOs). The ultra-confident 45-year-old southpaw is on a mission to capture the world heavyweight title, undeniably securing his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all-time. Tarver returns to the ring September 29against veteran Johnathon Banks (29-2-1, 19 KOs) in the 10-round main event, on a Golden Boy Promotions card, airing live on Fox Sports 1 from State Farm Arena in Hildalgo, Texas. "Al (Haymon, his adviser) has given me this chance," Tarver explained. "If I retiredtomorrow, I would feel unfulfilled despite so much I've done as a fighter. The only reason I get up every morning to train hard is to win the world heavyweight championship. I'm on a dream path again. Outside of falling a little short in Atlanta (he won a bronze medal, losing to eventual champion Vassiliy Jirov), I've never had a dream in or out of the ring that I didn't accomplish. I won the world light heavyweight title, made it to Hollywood (starring as Mason Dixon inRocky VI), and did commentary for a major network. "I will be world heavyweight champion and I'll break George Foreman's record as the oldest. I don't want to beat just any guy with the world title belt, I want Wladimir Klitschko, and to set-up that fight I will challenge and defeat David Haye, if he has the guts to fight me. Even at 45, I have so much fight in me, and there isn't a heavyweight I can't beat in a 12-round fight, unless they knock me out, something nobody's been able to do in my entire career." First, though, Tarver needs to win in impressive fashion against Banks, who, ironically, also trains Klitschko. "Banks is a good fighter," Tarver continued, "but I'm going into this fight in top shape, weighing 220 pounds, and totally focused. I'll be sharp, quick, elusive and throwing combination punches should be the keys to victory. I will prevail and continue my journey." Tarver, fighting out of Tampa, believes he's as much a threat today as he was during his "Murder's Row"-like 4-year, 9-fight stretch between 2002-2006, in which he had a 6-3 record, defeating Roy Jones, Jr. in two of three, splitting a pair with Glen Johnson, defeating Montell Griffin, Eric Harding and Reggie Johnson, and losing to Bernard Hopkins. "I never won a close fight and in my mind I've lost only twice, one to a 14-years younger version of myself, Chad Dawson, and Bernard Hopkins. Kelly Pavlik's the only other fighter than me who knows what it's like to be decisively favored and beaten by Hopkins, who is going to beat (Sergey) Kovalev, too. I never got a rematch with Bernard. "I've never gotten the credit I deserve. I'm going to quiet my critics who never mention me as a Hall of Famer. I'm the best defensive fighter in boxing history. I've never been cut or hurt and that's why I'm still here. Defense is a lost art. This is going to be sweet! I love boxing and I've forgotten more about it than kids today will ever know. I have a lot of experience. People have been sleeping on my abilities for a long time. I'm on a mission!" Tarver will be headlining the card his 26-year-old middleweight son, Antonio Tarver, Jr., will making his professional debut. The Tarvers train at Brazilian Rocky Fight Club in Miami, under the guidance of head trainer Orlando Cuellar, who, ironically, trained Johnson for his two fights with Tarver. Tarver & Cuellar "I believe in Antonio because of his dedication, discipline and willingness to do what it takes to do as well as he possibly can," Cuellar commented. "I've been sold on him since he walked in the gym and said he was 'in it to win it.' I'm not looking at his age. Hell, he's been pushing me in training camp. I studied him carefully when he fought Glen and now I'm training him. It's not so much about winning with Antonio, it's really how much he hates to lose. People can't write this guy off. There is a reason he's a 5-time world champion. When the lights come on, he's going to turn it up, and Banks is going to need his A game to deal with Antonio." The clock is ticking for Tarver. Every fight for him is now a must win. "My record speaks for itself," he concluded. "Writing me off is a big mistake. I'm going to do something big before I retire. People are going to see on September 29th the magic that's been missing for a long time. My last few fights I didn't scratch the surface of my abilities. I'm back...The Magic Man is back!" INFORMATION: www.OfficialAntonioTarver.com  @MagicMan5XChamp

Wilder not a threat to Stiverne Champ plans to teach 'little kid' a lesson

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release LAS VEGAS (July 15, 2014) - Long before World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Bermane "B. Ware" Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) knocked out Chris Arreola (35-4) this past May to claim the coveted title belt vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko, Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs) started talking smack about Stiverne and he hasn't let up as the impending showdown approaches later this year. Wilder is the mandatory, No. 1 challenger for Stiverne's first defense. If the relatively untested fighter from Alabama believes his incessant trash talk, juvenile antics and bizarre behavior is getting to Stiverne, he has another thing coming when they step intoi the ring. In fact, Stiverne admits he's been amused. "He's not going to get under my skin," Stiverne said. "I think he's funny. Maybe he should think about doing a comedy act after I beat him? Friends have sent me stuff he's said and done. It's funny. He's like a little kid who needs attention, so he keeps opening his mouth. His trash talking doesn't bother me at all. I saw some people who brought up what he's said. What am I supposed to do, hand my title to him? I guess he wants to entertain his fans. If he thinks his tricks are going to bother me, he's going to be in big trouble." Stiverne & Estephan While Wilder's chatter hasn't fazed Stiverne, his manager, Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management), has already tired of Wilder's act. "Wilder is a clown," Estephan remarked. "No respect! What's he ever done to act like this? Look who he's fought. Bermane is going to expose him and shut him up for good. His actions are ill advised. Wilder doesn't realize he's in for such a rough ride and a very big surprise. We're happy to fight him, mandatory or not." Some have proclaimed Wilder as the next world heavyweight champion, using his perfect professional record as evidence for his coronation. His skeptics, however, believe Wilder's record has been built up by fighting fraudulent opponents, pointing out he's never fought anybody as nearly as good as Arreola (Stiverne's victim in his last two fights), never mind somebody with the rare combination of power and quickness that Stiverne possesses. Meanwhile, "B-Ware" has been basking in the glory of being a world heavyweight champion, proudly noting he is the first Haitian-born fighter to achieve that distinction. "My life hasn't really changed too much other than my popularity growing," Stiverne talked about life after becoming world champion. "My Instagram followers went up from 2,000 to 13,000 from one picture. There hasn't been one day I haven't done something in public. I expected change but not like this. People used to look at me and ask if I played in the NFL. I've had people tell me they always thought I was a football player until they saw me fight Arreola. Places I used to stand in line to get in, well, I don't stand in line anymore. "I try to stay on the down-low. I'm not out clubbing every day, or feel that I have to do something in public. I'm available but, closer to the fight, I'll shut down everything 4-5 weeks out unless it has to do with the promotion. I don't think it has fully hit me, yet. It will when I go back to Haiti to meet the President (Michel) Martelly." Stiverne is a breath of fresh air in a division dominated by the robotic, impersonal Klitschko brothers for the past decade. Stiverne's fan-friendly boxing style, coupled with his bubbly personality, make him extremely marketable as long as he keeps winning. Stiverne-Wilder has tremendous implications for the winner in terms of a potential mega-fight with Wladimir Klitschko for a total unification of the heavyweight belts. Stiverene, though, remains fully focused on Wilder. "I do feel like a fresh face in the heavyweight division," Stiverne concluded. "I'm bringing excitement back to the heavyweight division like years ago. Wilder's not a threat but I'm taking him serious. I take all my opponents seriously but I'm going to teach that little kid a lesson. It's a shame his promoter and manager are putting him in such a big fight like this so early in his career." For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne.

Briggs Headlines, Morrison Featured Saturday in OKC!

 

For Immediate Release

 

Oklahoma City, OK (June 24, 2014) – Former heavyweight champion Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs looks to get back in the title hunt when he faces former WBO Latino titlist Raphael Zumbano Love Saturday evening in the main event of HD Boxing’s “Cathedral Rumble” at Remington Park in Oklahoma City.

 

A limited number of tickets for “Cathedral Rumble” are still available at www.stubwire.com/event/cathedralrumbleatremingtonpresentedbywarriorsforfreedom/remingtonpark/oklahomacity/7866/. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout is scheduled for 8.

 

All fans and media are also invited to attend the weigh in 6:30 pm Friday at Hooters, located at 3025 Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City.

 

One of the most colorful fighters in history, Briggs has dynamic power in both hands, notching 48 knockouts in his 54 victories. Since a gutsy decision loss against then-WBC kingpin Vitali Klitschko, Briggs has been a man on a mission, knocking out all three of his opponents in the opening round. The Miami based Brooklynite has been chasing Klitschko’s younger brother and current unified heavyweight champion Wladimir during the last few months, with the hopes that another victory could earn him a shot.

 

Love has an outstanding professional record of 34 wins against only 7 defeats and 1 draw, with 27 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Hailing from Brazil and currently based in the boxing-crazed city of Las Vegas, NV, Love is riding a wave of confidence, stopping Manoel Rodrigues de Souza (21-4) in 33 seconds last December.

 

Briggs meets Zumbano for the NABA heavyweight championship over 12 rounds.

 

In a special attraction bout, Trey Lippe-Morrison looks to go 3-0 when he challenges Marvin Babe in a four round heavyweight contest. 

 

A Tulsa, OK native, Lippe-Morrison’s the son of the late, great Tommy Morrison and has received international attention from various media outlets.

 

Rising junior welterweight star Haskell “Hackman” Rhodes of Spencer, OK puts his 20-0 ledger on the line against veteran John Revish in a 6 rounder. Rhodes, who is trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr. and served as a sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, is considered by many industry insiders to have world championship potential.

 

“I’m extremely excited about Saturday’s card,” said Bobby Dobbs, Co-Owner of HD Boxing. “Not only will fans get to witness a heavyweight bout where the winner will likely fight for a world title in the immediate future, but they’ll enjoy bouts featuring two of our most notable local fighters. Trey’s got a great story as many of you know but he’s an excellent puncher as well, while I think the sky’s the limit for Lydell. Make sure to come out on Saturday night because this will be a great evening of boxing!”

 

In addition to the aforementioned bouts, local stars light heavyweight Tracy Sneed, heavyweight Ty Cobb, junior welterweight Daniel Tran and welterweight Edwin Williams will all appear on the card.

 

For more information, please visit HDBoxing.net.

HEAVYWEIGHTS DAWEJKO, RIDEOUT COLLIDE ON MAY 16 FIGHT CARD AT 2300 ARENA IN SOUTH PHILLY

     Philadelphia, PA—Heavyweights Joey Dawejko and Mark Rideout meet over eight rounds—or less—in an all-Philadelphia match on Friday evening, May 16, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

   Topping the seven-bout card is an eight-round between undefeated junior welterweight prospects Naim Nelson, of Philadelphia, and Jerome Rodriguez, of Trenton, NJ.

     The seven-bout card program marks the first pro fight card at the 2300 Arena since Jan. 21, 2012, when then-unknown heavyweight prospect Bryant Jennings upset Maurice Byarm in a battle of undefeated Philadelphians to open the NBC Sports Network Fight Night series.

     Formerly known as the ECW Arena, the New Alhambra and later the Asylum Arena, the 2300 Arena, located at Swanson & Ritner Streets in South Philadelphia, has undergone renovations and eventually will seat close to 1,700 spectators. 

     First fight May 16 is set for 7.30p.m.  The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing and BAM Boxing in association with SugarHouse Casino.

     Dawejko (right), 23, comes into this fight off the biggest win of his career, an eight-round decision over former contender Derric Rossy, of New York, on Jan. 25 in Atlantic City, NJ. 

    Dawejko is 9-3-2, 3 K0s, but this will be only his fifth fight in Philadelphia since turning pro in 2009. 

    He has boxed in Canada, California, Illinois and Connecticut, taking fights on short notice for short money.  It all seemed pointless until Dawejko’s recent win over Rossy.

   “I know Mark from the amateurs and I was able to beat him when we fought,” Dawejko said, “but I know the pros are a different story.  I’m looking forward to fighting in my hometown again in front of my fans. It should be a good fight.”

   Part of Dawejko’s preparation for the May 16 fight is in Austria, where he was summoned last week to serve as a sparring partner for Wladimir Klitschko, who is defending his world heavyweight championship belts against Alex Leapai, of Samoa, on April 26 in Germany.  Lepai is 6-foot tall, short for a heavyweight; Dawejko is 5-foot-10. 

    Rideout (left), 24, is 4-0-2, 1 K0, since turning pro midway through 2012.

    In his last fight Jan. 24 in Atlantic City, Rideout boxed a four-round draw with unbeaten Fred Latham, of Pittsburgh, PA.  Ironically, it was 24 hours before Dawejko’s big win over Rossy across town.

    “I am excited about the opportunity to get back in action and be in my first eight-rounder,” Rideout said.  “My last couple of fights have ended in draws, but not this fight.

     “Me and Joey fought in the amateurs and he beat me, but this is the pros and I’m getting this win.  I respect all of Joey’s accomplishments as an amateur, but this is my time and it will be a long night for Joey.”

    Five additional fights complete the May 16 lineup.

    

    

   

   

ABOUT MAY 16

 

     The Nelson-Rodriguez and Dawejko-Rideout fights top a seven-bout card at the 2300 Arena.  First fight is 7.30 pm.  Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and they also can be purchased on line at www.peltzboxing.com.  The card will be streamed live on the internet by www.gofightlive.tv.    The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., and BAM Boxing in association with SugarHouse Casino.  The 2300 Arena, formerly known as the New Alhambra, hosted consistent professional boxing from 2004 thru 2012 when it was later known as the Asylum Arena.  Boxing cards there have been televised by ESPN 2, CN8, Univision and the NBC Sports Network.  Fighters who have boxed there include Danny Garcia, Bronco McKart, Omar Sheika, Demetrius Hopkins, Mike Jones, Teon Kennedy, Bryant Jennings, Gabriel Rosado, Jesus Soto-Karass, Ronald Cruz, Israel “Pito” Cardonaand Derek Ennis.

 

 

ABOUT SUGARHOUSE CASINO

 

     SugarHouse, which opened in September 2010 as Philly’s casino, features 1,602 slots, up to 58 table games, fun and unique dining options, riverfront views and free on-site parking. The casino employs approximately 1,100 people, and for three consecutive years has been voted a “Best Place to Work” in the Philadelphia Business Journal and a “Top Workplace” from Philly.com. For more information, visit www.sugarhousecasino.com.

Bahamian veteran Sherman 'Tank' Williams Returning to Germany to spar Wladimir Klitschko & fight Joseph Parker

KEY WEST, Fla. (March 26, 2014) - Battle-tested Bahamian heavyweight Sherman "Tank" Williams (36-13-2, 19 KOs) is returning to Germany to spar three weeks with world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (61-3, 51 KOs) and then fight highly-touted New Zealand prospect "Explosive" Joseph Parker (7-0, 6 KOs) on April 26 in Oberhauser, Germany. Williams vs. Parker will be on undercard of a K2 Promotions-presented event, headlined by Klitschko's IBF, WBO, WBA Super and IBO title defense against WBO No. 1 ranked mandatory challenger Alex "The Lionheart" Leapai (30-4-3, 24 KOs). The 5' 11, 245-pound Williams serves as a perfect sparring partner for Klitschko, whose   Apr. 26 opponent stands 6' 0" and weighs 245-pounds.  Williams, who has fought twice before in Germany, losing decisions to Manuel Charr and former world champion Ruslan Chagaev, has sparred twice with Wladimir and six other times with Klitschko's brother, recently retired world champion Vitali. "Based on their (Klitschko brothers) sizes, around 6' 6"," Williams explained, "I give them a contrast in style when they're fighting much shorter guys.  I'm aggressive and stay low, so they work on angles to throws shots.  I try to slip and jab to get inside against taller opponents.  Wladimir is a decent, intelligent, laidback type guy. Outside of the ring he's reserved.  As a fighter, he's a good technician and hard worker in the gym.  "Germany has been very good to me.  In most of my European exploits, I've been embraced because they love my Bahamian flavor.  They hear me start talking and I bring them happy feelings.  I put a beating on Chageav over there, from pillar to post, and the fans ended-up behind me.  I have built a solid, steady fan-base in Germany and I've been well received since my first trip there.  I'm no stranger in Germany and those people know and like 'Tank' Williams very well." The 22-year-old Parker is 20 years Williams' junior.  He is a 6' 4", 230-pound Samoan who has fought only one opponent of note, an aging Frans Botha, who Parker stopped in the second round of their 2013 fight in New Zealand.      "He seems talented from the little I know," Williams admitted.  "I had never heard of him before I was offered this fight.  He's been pushed in New Zealand and Australia, on the fast track but he has never fought anybody like me.  There's nothing he can do that I haven't seen before and I'm used to being the shorter guy.  A lot of guys can talk the talk but we'll find out if he can walk the walk. I'm bringing my 'Conch' punch (overhand right) and Parker is going to know he's been in a fight." In addition to Charr and Chagaev, Williams has fought some of the best heavyweights in the world during the course of his 16 ½-year professional career, such as Evander Holyfield (NC3), Robert Helenius (LDEC10), Chauncy Welliver (WDEC12), Tye Fields (LDEC12), Taurus Sykes (LDEC10), Al Cole (WDEC10), Obed Sullivan (LDEC12), Jameel McCline (D10) and Robert Davis (LTKO5). "This is a very exciting fight for Sherman," Williams' manager Si Stern added.  "His experience will enable him to do very well against Parker.  A victory can bring 'Tank' some excellent opportunities for some major fights around the world." In 292 rounds fought, Williams has been knockout only one time, by Davis. His relatively short stature in height, especially for a heavyweight, has been detrimental over the years in terms of him landing high profile fights "I've been in the gym since October but it isn't easy for me to get fights," Williams noted.  "I had fights lined up with David Price and Tyson Fury; they wouldn't fight me, saying I was too short.  I guess they wouldn't have fought Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson or David Tua.     "The opportunity to fight this kid (Parker) came up.  Hey, I'd fight anybody if the right opportunity comes up.  This could spring me into something else.  I always come to fight."