Net Worth Ranker
What Is Antonio Tarver Net Worth?
Antonio Tarver, the American professional boxer nicknamed “Magic Man,” has a net worth of $1 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a former Ring magazine, IBF, WBC, WBA, and IBO light heavyweight champion, as well as his IBO cruiserweight title. His earnings stem from his boxing career, where he held multiple titles across different weight classes, as well as from his ventures outside the ring, including acting and television appearances.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 21, 1968, in Orlando, Florida, Antonio Deon Tarver was raised with a strong emphasis on hard work and discipline. He attended Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, before training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Tarver’s amateur boxing career began in the 1990s, leading him to the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, where he won a bronze medal in Atlanta. Before turning professional, he was the 1993 and 1995 United States amateur Light Heavyweight champion and the 1994 National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight champion. He also won gold medals at the 1995 Pan American Games and the US National Championships.
Boxing Career and Earnings
Tarver made his professional boxing debut on February 18, 1997, at the age of 28, at the Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, where he won against Joaquin Garcia with a second-round knockout. He went on to win his first 16 matches, most of them by TKO. He won his first pro title in 2002, beating world champion Reggie Johnson to claim the NABF and USBA light heavyweight titles. He became a world champion at the age of 34 after 21 professional fights, defeating Montell Griffin for the WBC and IBF light-heavyweight titles via a 12-round unanimous decision. A significant moment in Tarver’s career was his victory against Roy Jones Jr. in 2004, where he won no fewer than six light heavyweight titles simultaneously. While specific fight-by-fight earnings are not readily available, high-profile bouts like those against Jones Jr. would have contributed substantially to his income. In May 2004, Tarver knocked Jones out in the second round, a victory that shocked the boxing world. His career record stands at 31 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with 22 wins by knockout.
Acting Career and Media Appearances
Outside of boxing, Antonio Tarver has also ventured into acting, playing Mason “The Line” Dixon, the heavyweight champion, in the 2006 film “Rocky Balboa”. He has also been a frequent commentator and analyst for major boxing events, providing expert insight and analysis. Tarver has made several television appearances during his career and co-hosted an ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” for one telecast. He also appeared on the cover of Ring and KO Magazine. These roles have contributed to his overall earnings and net worth. Tarver can also claim to be a film star, having played Mason Dixon in the 2006 movie Rocky Balboa, where he became one of the few fighters to beat Sylvester Stallone’s character.
Financial Challenges and Bankruptcy
Despite his success, Antonio Tarver faced financial difficulties. He filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection eight days before his May 15, 2004, fight against Roy Jones Jr. In 2014, it was reported that Tarver owed $200,000 in gambling debt from a 2012 gambling binge at the Wynn Las Vegas. Famed boxing manager Al Haymon helped Tarver post bail and reportedly provided the cash to repay the entire $200,000 debt to Wynn.
Real Estate and Investments
While specific details about Antonio Tarver’s real estate holdings and investments are not widely publicized, it is mentioned that he has made several investments in real estate and other business ventures. He owns multiple properties, including luxury homes. It’s important to note that there’s a “Tarver Real Estate” firm located in San Antonio, TX, but there is no direct evidence linking this firm to Antonio Tarver himself. Antonio Tarver is also part of ExpertDojo’s celebrity fund which accelerates fame and uses celebrity power to drive follow-on investment and maximize customer engagement.
Personal Life
Antonio Tarver was married to Monique Tarver, with whom he has two children, a son and a daughter. His son, Antonio Jr., is also a professional boxer. Tarver resides in Tampa, Florida.
Legacy and Recent Activities
As of 2024, Antonio Tarver remains an influential figure in the boxing community. Though his professional fighting career has slowed, Tarver continues to have a presence in media and entertainment. He has been a frequent commentator and analyst for major boxing events, providing expert insight and analysis that showcases his knowledge of the sport. After a six-year hiatus, Tarver announced his return, competing in his first professional boxing match since 2015 against former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir. He is now back in the ring, fighting to raise awareness of mental health.
