NEW YORK , August 19 — Antonio Tarver, Roy Jones Jr, their names will forever be linked to one another in boxing lore. They first met in the ring as thirteen-year-olds at the Sunshine State Games in Gainesville, FL., and each went on to become Olympic Medallists. As professionals, Jones became one of the most decorated champions in boxing history while Tarver fought his way to the top to become world light heavyweight champion.
But for Tarver to be known as the best and to be part of history, he had to beat Roy Jones. Jones-Tarver I, on November 8, 2003 ended in a Jones win by decision. The rematch took place on May 15, 2004 and Tarver shocked the world when he knocked out Roy Jones, Jr. in round 2. On October 1, 2005, Tarver and Jones will settle the score, and this time there will be “No Excuses,” broadcast live on pay-per-view.
Tarver vs. Jones 3 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Square Ring, Inc. and will take place at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL. Tickets, priced at $25, $50, $100, $200, $350, and $600 and limited VIP packages are available at the St. Pete Times Forum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at 813.287.8844 or 727.898.2100 or by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices do not include applicable surcharges.
“We are thrilled about the fact that in the first couple of hours we have sold over 5,000 tickets,” said Joe DeGuardia, President/CEO of Star Boxing. “The excitement in Tampa is unbelievable. The appeal of Tarver and Jones can be seen right now outside the building where fans are waiting in line to buy tickets. It shows the anticipation among fans to be part of history and this great trilogy.”
“Square Ring is so excited about the fan response to this terrific match-up,” said Square Ring’s Brad Jacobs. “The combination of having a fight of legendary proportions with two great athletes and having the fight take place in both fighters home state has proven to be a winning combination.”
“We are proud to host an event of this magnitude. This is not only great for the St. Pete Times Forum, but for Tampa Bay and the state of Florida,” said Sean Henry, Executive Vice President of the St. Pete Times Forum and the Tampa Bay Lightning. “The velocity at which tickets are selling speaks volumes about boxing and its future in the Bay area.”
The Tarver vs. Jones 3 pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT on October 1, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to over 50 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For your daily Tarver vs. Jones 3 updates visit, www.hboppv.com