‘Fres Oqendo’

40 year old James Toney showed he still has what it takes to contend for a world title with a 12 round split decision win over Fres Oquendo last night at Morongo Casino in Cabazon, CA.

Toney showed flashes of his former brilliance with crisp combinations but Oquendo looked to stay away from the former three weight world champion in the early rounds, waiting for the aging Michigan man to eventually tire.

And tire he did, allowing Oquendo the chance to work in the later rounds, but the 35 year old Puerto Rican sabotaged his chances by losing a point in the eighth frame for low blows.

In the end, it was Toney who got the victory, edging out Oquendo to win the vacant IBA and WBO NABO titles to improve to 71-6-3 (43), while Oquendo falls to 29-5 (18).

On the undercard, super middle prospect Andre Ward, 17-0 (12), impressively stopped Mexico's Esteban Camou, 23-5 (19), in the third round and heavyweight Eddie Chambers, 33-1 (18), won his third in a row by outpointing Cisse Salif, 23-12-2 (21), over eight and heavyweight prospect Malik Scott, 32-0 (11), did the same against opponent Raphael Butler, 34-8 (27).

Tonight at the Morongo Casino and Resort in Cabazon, CA, heavyweights James Toney and Fres Oqendo tangle in the main event for the IBA belt.

Former IBF Middle, Super Middle, Crusierweight Champion Toney, 70-6-3 (43), is now 40 years old and the magic that once thrilled audiences hasn't been seen in his gloves against a competitive opponent for quite some time now.

But if the Michigan native can even turn the clock back somewhat, he should be able to outbox opponent Oquendo, 29-4 (18), himself no spring chicken at 35.

Oquendo has won his last three contests but lost another aging warrior, Evanader Holyfield, a full two years ago. If the long armed Puerto Rican can gets his punches off first and keep the cagey Toney at the end of the jab, Oquendo will likely win this one on points but he outcome really depends on what Toney has left in the skills and stamina department.

On the undercard, promising super middle Andre Ward, 16-0 (11), meets Esteban Camou, 23-4 (19), over ten rounds.

Heavyweights Eddie Chambers, 32-1 (18), and Malik Scott, 31-0 (11), are also scheduled to appear on separate bouts.