Five-time world champion Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver reveals the untold truth behind knocking out Roy Jones Jr, the controversial Bernard Hopkins fight, and his Hollywood role in Rocky Balboa with Sylvester Stallone.

From street fights in Orlando to Olympic glory, from shocking the boxing world to starring on the big screen — this is Antonio Tarver’s full, unfiltered story.

In this in-depth boxing interview, Tarver pulls no punches as he breaks down the night he shocked the boxing world by knocking out Roy Jones Jr, the infamous “Any excuses tonight, Roy?” moment, and why he believes he was robbed in their first fight. He opens up about his rise from the streets of Orlando, Florida, his historic amateur achievements (the only man to win the National, World, and Pan Am Championships in the same year), and the grit it took to prove himself in a sport where he was always the underdog.

Tarver also lifts the lid on the Hopkins ‘Jedi mind trick’ fight, the politics of professional boxing, and how he battled through setbacks to become a five-time world champion across light heavyweight, cruiserweight, and heavyweight divisions. Plus, hear the behind-the-scenes story of how he landed the role of Mason “The Line” Dixon in Rocky Balboa, training for Hollywood and stepping onto the big screen with one of cinema’s greatest icons, Sylvester Stallone.

Whether you’re a fan of boxing history, curious about the golden era of light heavyweight legends, or love hearing the untold stories behind the sport’s biggest fights, this episode is packed with insight, controversy, and unforgettable moments from one of boxing’s most charismatic champions.

00:00 Intro – Antonio Tarver joins First Round TV

01:00 Growing up in Orlando & street fights

06:00 Historic amateur year – Nationals, Worlds & Pan Ams

09:00 Facing a young Roy Jones Jr at 13

13:40 Eric Harding defeat & comeback

20:00 Winning first world titles vs Montel Griffin

21:30 Chasing Roy Jones Jr – the build-up

23:00 Prime Roy Jones Jr & the first fight

25:00 “Any Excuses Tonight, Roy?” – KO in the rematch

29:00 Glenn Johnson rivalry

34:00 The Bernard Hopkins ‘Jedi mind trick’

39:00 Moving to cruiserweight & heavyweight

43:00 Being the risk nobody wanted to fight

46:00 Elite mindset & career reflections

49:00 Rocky Balboa – filming with Sylvester Stallone

51:00 Training the next generation

53:00 Modern light heavyweight scene

54:00 Canelo vs Crawford predictions

55:00 Tarver’s Mount Rushmore of boxing