**Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. III**
**Definition:**
Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. III was a professional boxing match held on October 1, 2005, marking the third and final bout between the two former light heavyweight champions. The fight was notable for its competitive nature and the ongoing rivalry between Tarver and Jones, two of the sport’s most prominent figures in the early 2000s.
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## Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. III
### Background
The trilogy between Antonio Tarver and Roy Jones Jr. is one of the most significant rivalries in modern boxing history, particularly in the light heavyweight division. Their first two encounters were highly publicized and had a considerable impact on both fighters’ careers.
Roy Jones Jr., widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of his era, had dominated the light heavyweight division throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Antonio Tarver, a skilled and powerful southpaw, emerged as a formidable challenger, eventually dethroning Jones in their first meeting.
The first fight, held on November 8, 2003, saw Tarver score a stunning second-round knockout over Jones, marking the first time Jones had been stopped in his professional career. This upset victory earned Tarver the WBC, WBA, and IBF light heavyweight titles.
The rematch took place on May 15, 2004. This bout was more competitive, with Jones winning by a controversial majority decision, reclaiming the WBA and IBF titles. The decision was disputed by many observers who felt Tarver had done enough to retain his belts.
Following these two bouts, the stage was set for a decisive third fight to settle the rivalry once and for all.
### Fight Details
– **Date:** October 1, 2005
– **Location:** Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
– **Weight Class:** Light Heavyweight (175 lbs)
– **Titles on the Line:** WBA (Super), WBC, IBF Light Heavyweight Championships
– **Referee:** Jay Nady
– **Judges:** Jerry Roth, Chuck Giampa, Tom Kaczmarek
### Fighters’ Profiles
**Antonio Tarver**
– Nickname: The Magic Man
– Record before fight: 23 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw (18 KOs)
– Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
– Reach: 77 in (196 cm)
– Style: Southpaw
**Roy Jones Jr.**
– Nickname: Junior
– Record before fight: 49 wins, 3 losses (38 KOs)
– Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
– Reach: 74 in (188 cm)
– Style: Orthodox
### Pre-Fight Context
By 2005, both fighters were at different points in their careers. Jones was attempting to reassert his dominance in the light heavyweight division after his loss to Tarver and subsequent comeback. Tarver, meanwhile, was looking to solidify his legacy by defeating Jones decisively in their trilogy.
The fight was highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike, as it promised to deliver a conclusive outcome to their competitive saga. Both fighters had undergone changes in training and strategy since their previous encounters, adding intrigue to the matchup.
### The Fight
The bout unfolded as a tactical and physical contest, with both fighters demonstrating their skills and resilience. Tarver utilized his height and reach advantage, employing a southpaw stance to keep Jones at bay with jabs and straight lefts. Jones, known for his speed and unorthodox style, sought to close the distance and land combinations to disrupt Tarver’s rhythm.
Throughout the early rounds, Tarver appeared to control the pace, landing effective punches and maintaining distance. Jones showed moments of brilliance, using his footwork and counterpunching to score points and avoid damage.
As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, the intensity increased. Both fighters exchanged heavy blows, with Tarver’s power shots occasionally staggering Jones. Jones responded with flurries and combinations, attempting to sway the judges with his volume and aggression.
In the later rounds, fatigue became a factor, but both men continued to fight with determination. Tarver’s physicality and tactical approach seemed to give him an edge, while Jones relied on his experience and ring IQ to stay competitive.
### Outcome and Decision
After twelve rounds, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards. The decision was unanimous in favor of Antonio Tarver, who reclaimed the WBA (Super), WBC, and IBF light heavyweight titles. The official scores were:
– Jerry Roth: 116–112
– Chuck Giampa: 115–113
– Tom Kaczmarek: 115–113
The victory was seen as a vindication for Tarver, who had lost the controversial rematch but demonstrated his superiority in the trilogy’s final chapter.
### Aftermath and Legacy
The third fight between Antonio Tarver and Roy Jones Jr. effectively ended their rivalry. Tarver’s victory solidified his status as the top light heavyweight of the era and extended his reign as a world champion.
For Roy Jones Jr., the loss marked a turning point. Although he continued to fight and eventually moved up to the heavyweight division, he never fully regained the dominance he once held in the light heavyweight class.
The trilogy is remembered for its high skill level, dramatic moments, and the contrasting styles of the two fighters. It also highlighted the competitive nature of boxing’s light heavyweight division during the early 2000s.
### Significance in Boxing History
The Tarver-Jones trilogy is often cited as one of the best rivalries in recent boxing history. It showcased the importance of adaptability, strategy, and resilience in the sport. The fights also contributed to the legacy of both fighters, with Tarver gaining recognition for his power and tactical acumen, and Jones for his speed and ring intelligence.
The third fight, in particular, is noted for its competitive balance and the clear resolution it provided to their ongoing competition. It remains a reference point for discussions about light heavyweight boxing and the careers of both men.
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**Meta Description:**
Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. III was the final bout in a celebrated boxing trilogy held in 2005, where Tarver reclaimed the light heavyweight titles in a unanimous decision. The fight marked the conclusion of one of the sport’s most notable rivalries.