Antonio Tarver Biography: Awards, Height, Olympic Medals, Net Worth, Age, Wife, Parents, Awards
Antonio Deon Tarver, professionally known as Antonio Tarver, is an American former professional boxer, boxing commentator, and actor.
Nicknamed “The Magic Man,” he became a five-time world champion and an Olympic bronze medalist, later gaining wider entertainment recognition for portraying Mason “The Line” Dixon in Rocky Balboa.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Antonio Deon Tarver |
| Stage Name: | Antonio Tarver |
| Born: | November 21, 1968 (age 57 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | African-American |
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Gwendolyn Tarver, Mr. Tarver |
| Siblings: | Sophia Lindsey, Padricia Benjamin Cunningham, Katina Valrie |
| Spouse: | Denise Tarver |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | Antonio Tarver Jr., Taylor Tarver |
| Occupation: | Former Professional Boxer, Boxing Commentator, Actor |
| Net Worth: | $1 million |
Early Life and Education
Antonio Tarver was born on November 21, 1968, in Orlando, Florida. He is the son of Gwendolyn Tarver and Mr. Tarver.
He was raised by Gwendolyn Tarver, who brought up Antonio and his three sisters as a single mother. His childhood developed in Orlando, where his mother played a major role in keeping the family together during difficult periods.
His sisters are Sophia Lindsey, Padricia Benjamin Cunningham, and Katina Valrie. Tarver grew up as a multisport athlete and developed an early interest in boxing. His mother remained a major influence on his character, discipline, faith, and determination.
Tarver is of African-American ethnicity and identifies as a Christian. His faith became particularly important during difficult stages of his life, including his recovery from substance abuse and his return to competitive boxing.
He attended Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida, where he excelled in several sports before concentrating on boxing.
He did not attend college after failing to receive the scholarship opportunity he had expected, eventually directing his energy toward professional athletics.
Career
Antonio Tarver began boxing seriously at a young age and established himself as one of America’s strongest amateur light-heavyweight competitors.
In 1994, he won the National Golden Gloves title, followed by major victories at the 1995 U.S. National Championships, Pan American Games, and World Championships.
He represented the United States at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and captured a bronze medal in the light-heavyweight division.
His professional career began in 1997, and he quickly developed a reputation for his southpaw stance, athletic ability, punching power, and tactical approach.
Tarver eventually captured the WBC, WBA, IBF, The Ring, and IBO light-heavyweight championships.
His rivalry against Roy Jones Jr. produced some of the defining contests of his career, including his 2004 knockout victory over Jones, which made him the first fighter to stop Jones inside the distance.
Tarver established himself as a boxing analyst and commentator, including work for Showtime Championship Boxing.
He also moved into acting, receiving his most prominent screen role as heavyweight champion Mason “The Line” Dixon opposite Sylvester Stallone in Rocky Balboa.
In 2026, Tarver was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, further recognizing his accomplishments as an elite professional and amateur boxer. His career record finished at 31 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw, and 22 knockouts.
Social Media
- Instagram: @antoniotarver
- X: @AntonioTarver
Personal Life
Antonio Tarver, 57 years old, is married to Denise Tarver. Earlier reports also document his long-standing relationship as a father and his commitment to remaining involved in his children’s lives.
Tarver is the father of Antonio Tarver Jr. and Taylor Tarver. His son pursued basketball during his school years, while Tarver regularly expressed strong support for his children’s education, sporting activities, and development.
His relationship history includes the mother of his eldest son, who remained on friendly terms alongside Tarver as they focused on parenting. He later married Denise Tarver.
Family has remained an important part of Tarver’s life. His mother, Gwendolyn, played an especially significant role in his recovery from substance abuse and his return to boxing.
Tarver has spoken openly about the influence of faith on his decisions. Christianity has remained an important part of his outlook, particularly during difficult periods in his career.
His interests extend into sports broadcasting, acting, fitness, and mentoring.
His experience as a professional athlete has also shaped his interest in discussing boxing and the wider sporting world.
Tarver continues to maintain strong ties to the Tampa Bay area, where he developed much of his athletic identity and later raised his family. His height is 6 ft 2 in (188 cm).
Net Worth
Antonio Tarver’s net worth is $1 million USD. His income has come primarily from professional boxing purses, championship fights, acting, television appearances, boxing analysis, commentary, endorsements, and public appearances.
His major boxing earnings came from championship contests and high-profile bouts against opponents such as Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, and Glen Johnson.
His role in Rocky Balboa added an entertainment income stream, while broadcasting extended his career after boxing.
Filmography
- Rocky Balboa — Mason “The Line” Dixon — 2006
- The Contender — Himself — 2005
- Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith — Himself — 2005
- WWE Monday Night Raw — Himself — 2005
- Jim Rome Is Burning — Himself — 2005
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno — Himself — Television appearance
- Dennis Miller — Himself — Television appearance
- Celebrity Family Feud — Himself — 2008
- Adventure Scouts — Pastor Lambert — 2010
- ProBoxTV — Himself — 2022
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