Boxing

Lacy, Tarver square off - not in the ring, but on TV tonight

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published November 10, 2005

The war of words between St. Petersburg's Jeff Lacy and Tampa resident Antonio Tarver comes to the big screen tonight when Bay News 9 has both fighters on live at 11.

Lacy and trainer Dan Birmingham will appear live in studio for the segment, while Tarver will be live from Los Angeles where he is filming for his role in the upcoming Rocky 6 movie.

Lacy, the IBF super middleweight champion, knocked out Scott Pemberton on Saturday night and afterward said he was eyeing Tarver for his next fight.

Tarver, recognized by Ring magazine as the undisputed light heavyweight champion, said Monday Lacy has done nothing to deserve that opportunity.

"What has Jeff Lacy done?" Tarver said. "I'm the biggest thing going right now in boxing. I am the top draw. As far as I'm concerned, Lacy is just a regional fighter."

Tarver said he is targeting a fight with heavyweight Mike Tyson.

Chris Elias, the executive producer for sports on Bay News 9, said both fighters are aware the other will be on tonight.

[Last modified November 10, 2005, 01:21:17]