Boxing Viewpoint: James Toney

As Good As He Wants To Be And Sometimes Better

I don’t think I ever remember him saying one nice thing about an opponent in a pre fight interview or press conference. I don’t think I ever remember him saying anything nice about one after a fight either. If someone who knew nothing of James Toney or the sport of boxing walked into a room, mid ramble, they would most likely think he was going to shake someone down who owed him money rather than box them in a ring.

In short you can describe Toney as abrasive, Rude, offensive, cocky and at times outright annoying. That is James Toney the fighter. Outside the ring he can be one of the nicest guys you could possibly meet. When it comes to the sport of boxing though, James Toney is all business and anyone who has what he wants is his most hated rival.

Half the fans of the sport can’t wait until he steps into the ring and follows up on his claims. The other half can’t wait to see if the next fight will finally be the one where he gets his mouth shut for good. So far, all but three of his opponents have yet to beat him and none have been able to shut him up.

The three who managed to get a draw with Toney can consider themselves lucky. Don’t take my word for it though, he will be more than glad to tell you himself. If you don’t like what he has to say guess what? He doesn’t care. As far as he is concerned if you have a problem with it, do something about it…or keep your mouth shut before he shuts it for you.

What makes a guy like Toney tick? To be honest, I don’t think anyone other than he can tell you that. I do know one thing. He has proven himself to be one of the greatest pound for pound fighters in the history of the sport. Unlike many of the guys out there today who claim they are great, Toney has shown time and time again he is great.

His accomplishments are that beyond what any young fighter could even aspire to be. James has done things in the ring matched only by few others. His 18 years as a pro have been well spent. He has draped his waist in gold so many times you could call him King Midas. He holds claim to winning the IBF Middleweight, IBF Super Middleweight, IBF Cruiserweight, WBA Heavyweight, IBA Heavyweight, IBO Light Heavyweight and IBA Cruiserweight titles. Plus numerous other minor belts almost to many to mention.

Toney is Ring Magazine’s 1991 and 2003 fighter of the year. He holds a 10-1-1 record in title fights. Toney won his first 46 bouts before dropping a decision and his super middleweight crown to what was then a virtually unbeatable Roy Jones Jr.

Many, including myself, who follow the sport wondered what Toney had left to offer when he entered the heavyweight division. At only 5’9″ tall and entering his mid 30’s, how well could he do against the big men of today who average 6’4″ or better. Before we could lay any claim to doubt, he took the WBA strap from John Ruiz in April of 05′.

After the bout, Toney tested positive for steroids and was stripped of the belt, then fined $10,000 by the ruling boxing commission. Toney, who still claims his innocence, says he had no idea what he was taking and if it was steroids then the company should go out of business because he sure didn’t look like a guy on steroids, poking fun at himself and his robust frame he has developed during the last few years.

Shortly after his suspension, he was back in the ring against Dominick Guinn. After the bout, Toney once again claimed a version of a world title that he still holds today. Even if it is the lightly regarded IBA belt, it shows Toney is still the man to be reckoned with.

After fighting guys like Merqi Sosa, Michael Nunn, Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, Charles Williams, Earl Butler, Vassily Jirov, Evander Holyfield, John Ruiz, Drake Thadzi, Montel Griffin, Roy Jones, Doug DeWitt and Adolpho Washington over the years, I don’t think he can really add to his resume of talent he has faced.

With the money he has made, you have to wonder how hungry can he be? According to Toney, he hasn’t been this hungry in years and that’s what makes him so dangerous still. With his relaxed defensive style in the ring and ability to absorb punches, mixed in with his precision offense, Toney can go in and still be one of the best performers in the game. Those of you who doubt it don’t know James Toney.

Toney has a limited amount of fights left. Father time will see to that. Even if he manages Bernard Hopkins-like longevity, there is only so much more he can do. The only one who will retire James Toney is James Toney and right now it looks like he has no immediate plans to do so.

When in shape, Toney is fantastic to say the least. When he is motivated, he is even better. So, he sees no reason to think about hanging them up at the moment. He feels that he will be able to jump atop the heavyweight division before even considering it. With what he has to offer and the limited amount of talent in the division, you have to believe his chances are pretty good.

Hands down, he has the experience and savvy to overcome anyone out there. So, champions, consider yourself put on notice. Oh, by the way just in case you didn’t know, when you belt holders come to fight James Toney, you better make sure the bill is paid. Or it’s LIGHTS OUT! That’s the one thing he likes to do more than talking.