James Toney

Last updated
James Toney
James Toney.jpg
Toney in 2011
BornJames Nathaniel Toney
(1968-08-24) August 24, 1968 (age 55)
Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S. [1]
Other names
  • Lights Out
  • The Dark Emperor
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm) [2]
Division
Reach74 in (188 cm) [2]
Stance Orthodox
Years active
  • 1988–2017, 2023 (boxing)
  • 2010 (MMA)
Professional boxing record
Total92
Wins77
By knockout47
Losses10
Draws3
No contests2
Mixed martial arts record
Total1
Wins0
Losses1
By submission1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: June 5, 2017

James Nathaniel Toney (born August 24, 1968) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2017. He held multiple world championships in three weight classes, including the IBF and lineal middleweight titles from 1991 to 1993, the IBF super middleweight title from 1993 to 1994, and the IBF cruiserweight title in 2003. Toney also challenged twice for a world heavyweight title in 2005 and 2006, and was victorious the first time but was later stripped due to a failed drug test. Overall, he competed in fifteen world title fights across four weight classes.

Contents

Stylistically a defensive boxer, Toney utilized the shoulder roll technique taught to him by veteran trainer Bill Miller, who had once trained heavyweight champion Ezzard Charles. Toney was an exceptional counterpuncher and inside fighter, who often preferred to fight off the ropes. He possessed fast hand speed and respectable punching power throughout his career and is also noted for his toughness, having never lost any of his 92 professional bouts via stoppage.

In 1991 and 2003, Toney was voted Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America. In 2011, The Ring magazine ranked him as tenth on their list of the "10 best middleweight title holders of the last 50 years." [3] He has also made a one-time appearance in mixed martial arts, losing to Randy Couture at UFC 118. In 2001, Toney played the role of Joe Frazier in the movie Ali alongside Will Smith.

Early life

Toney was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S. [1] At around age 11, Toney first entered a boxing gym, but did not seriously pursue the sport until graduating high school. Growing up, Toney lived alongside the families of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Buster Mathis Jr., and Toney's father himself (who was absent for Toney's upbringing) was a boxer. [4] As a teen, Toney was often involved in street fighting and sold crack cocaine. Prior to his career in boxing, Toney was also a star football player; after high school he received scholarship offers from Western Michigan to play quarterback and from Michigan to play as a defensive back. But Toney said, "I wasn't a team player and wasn't good at taking orders. So I went into boxing." [5] Toney also lost a significant amount of weight to begin his boxing career, having weighed 205 lbs. Toney was supposedly involved in an altercation with future Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders while at a Michigan training camp. [6]

Amateur career

Toney had a brief but relatively successful amateur career, compiling a record of 33 wins (32 KOs) and 2 losses.[ citation needed ] Toney had his first professional fight on October 26, 1988, beating Stephen Lee by a technical knockout in the second round. As a teenager, Toney was scouted and trained by Gregory Owens, who also was his trainer through the mid-nineties. His moniker of "Lights Out" was also given by either Gregory or his son. [7] In his 7th pro fight, Toney's manager, Johnny "Ace" Smith, was killed. Afterwards, Jackie Kallen was hired as his manager. Toney also employed the services of legendary Detroit-based trainer Bill Miller. Miller, a former boxer himself who worked in Detroit's famed Kronk Gym and assisted hall-of-fame trainer Emanuel Steward at times, is credited with developing Toney's famed "old school" or "throwback" style of fighting. [8]

Professional career

Middleweight

Toney won the IBF and lineal middleweight titles by knocking out Michael Nunn in eleven rounds in May 1991. [9] Toney, who entered as a 20-to-1 underdog, was down on all three judges' scorecards, but landed a left hook that put Nunn on the canvas in the eleventh round, and eventually scored a stoppage victory. [10] The win also earned Toney the Ring Magazine Fighter Of The Year award. [11] Toney continued a regular fight program over the next 18 months at middleweight, before outgrowing the division, where he made several successful yet disputed defenses. The most noteworthy was Toney's split decision win over Dave Tiberi in a fight that many experts feel Toney lost. The decision was so controversial that it prompted United States Senator William Roth of Delaware to call for an investigation into possible corruption in the sport. [12] Toney also won a split decision title defense against Reggie Johnson in June 1991, retained his title with a draw against former WBA champ Mike McCallum in December 1991, and again against McCallum, this time by a majority decision, in December 1992. The McCallum fight would be Toney's last as a middleweight. [5]

Super middleweight

On February 13, 1993, Toney challenged Iran Barkley for the IBF super middleweight title. After a dominating performance by Toney, the bout was stopped after 9 rounds by Barkley's trainer, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, due to Barkley suffering severe swelling around both eyes. [13]

Toney won five fights throughout 1993, then defeated Tony "The Punching Postman" Thornton in his 1st title defense in October, via a landslide points victory. In his second defense, Toney beat the 24–0 Tim Littles by a 4th-round KO. During this bout, Toney suffered a bad cut which caused the referee and ringside doctor to intervene before round 4, allowing him one more round to try to end the fight. His next defense was against former IBF Light Heavyweight champion Prince Charles Williams. Despite having a point deducted for hitting Williams after the bell in one round and having his left eye completely swollen shut, Toney knocked Williams out in the 12th and final round. This win paved the way for his fight with undefeated 1988 Olympic silver medalist Roy Jones Jr. [14]

Jones won a landslide decision over Toney, an upset at the time, briefly flooring Toney for the first time with a flash knockdown in the 3rd round. Jones used one of his "cockfighting" feints to lure Toney in, and as Toney mocked Jones, Toney got caught with a leaping left hook. [15] After the fight Toney blamed making the weight for his flat performance and the loss of his cherished unbeaten record.[ citation needed ] It was his last fight at the weight.

Light heavyweight

His next fight saw him lose to Montell Griffin at light heavyweight in February 1995. After then winning a series of fights at light heavyweight, cruiserweight, and even heavyweight, he again faced Montell Griffin in December 1996 and once again lost a close decision. He beat old foe Mike McCallum in February 1997, but then lost to journeyman Drake Thadzi in his next fight.

Cruiserweight

After taking some time off from the ring, Toney came back in 1999, seemingly focused on reclaiming his status as an elite fighter. He defeated former title holders and title contenders Adolpho Washington, Steve Little, Ramón Garbey, Saul Montana, Sione Asipeli, Courtney Butler, and Michael Rush. In August 2002, Toney beat Jason Robinson in an IBF Cruiserweight title elimination fight. This set up a fight between Toney and the champion, Vassiliy Jirov. After a postponement, the fight happened on April 26, 2003. Going into the 12th and final round, with the scores fairly even and the fight in the balance, Toney knocked the undefeated Jirov down in the 12th. The Kazakh rose from the canvas to go to the distance, but Toney got the judges verdict and was now a three-weight World Champion.

For Toney's performance he was awarded comeback of the year and named fighter of the year. The fight itself was named "Fight Of The Year" by The Ring magazine. Immediately afterward, Toney moved up to heavyweight, where he campaigned for the next 7 years.

Heavyweight

As far back as Toney's middleweight years, he insisted that he would one day be the heavyweight champion of the world. His October 4, 2003, victory over aging former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield was Toney's entry into the heavyweight division. After a shaky first round, Toney picked apart Holyfield with shots to the body and head before stopping him in the 9th round. After the fight Toney declared he was "undestructable", that he "got milk baby" and didn't want any "bad ass questions" from announcer Jim Gray. [16]

On September 23, 2004, Toney faced off with Rydell Booker. Although Toney injured his left arm, he was still able to defeat the clearly outmatched Booker, getting a 12-round unanimous decision for the fringe IBA heavyweight title. [17]

On April 30, 2005, he defeated John Ruiz by a unanimous decision in a 12-round match for the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight Championship. However, Toney failed his post-fight drug test, testing positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol. This led to the New York Athletic Commission changing the bout's official outcome to a "no-contest", deducting the win from Toney's career record and banning him from boxing for 90 days. The WBA ordered that Ruiz be reinstated as its champion and that Toney be ineligible for another WBA Heavyweight title shot for two years. Toney defended himself by claiming that the steroids were given to him by a doctor to treat the arm injury he suffered during the Rydell Booker fight. [18]

In his bout after the Ruiz fight, Toney won a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight contender Dominic Guinn. Toney next fought against Hasim Rahman on March 18, 2006, for the WBC Heavyweight title. The result was a twelve-round majority draw.

Toney's next two outings were losses to Samuel Peter. The first fight was held in Los Angeles, California, on September 2, 2006. Toney lost by split decision. The return bout was held in Hollywood, Florida, on January 6, 2007, and Toney once again lost to Peter, this time by unanimous decision. Both fights were WBC eliminator bouts for the belt held by Oleg Maskaev.

Toney's next bout came on December 13, 2008, against Fres Oquendo. Oquendo was penalized one point in round eight for a rabbit punch, which would prove to be the deciding factor in the fight. Toney won a close, controversial split decision. On September 12, 2009, James fought heavyweight fighter Matthew Greer (12–5–0 11KO) at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. [19] James won via TKO victory in round two.

On February 24, 2011, Toney made his return to boxing and won a ten-round unanimous decision against Damon Reed. All three judges scored the bout 100–90. For this bout Toney weighed in at a career high of 257 lbs. [20]

Return to cruiserweight

After stepping back down to Cruiserweight, on November 4, 2011, Toney stepped into the ring at 199 lbs, the lowest he has been since 2003 against Russian star Denis Lebedev in Russia for the interim WBA World cruiserweight title. Toney was never competitive throughout the bout after encountering problems with his left knee during round two, and the judges all had it 120–108 for Lebedev. A week after the fight it was revealed Toney needed surgery to repair his knee. [21]

Return to heavyweight

On April 7, 2012, Toney fought Bobby Gunn and won by a fifth round stoppage due to a hand injury sustained by Gunn. [22] This was recognized as a world title by the International Boxing Union, a minor boxing organization.

Toney travelled to Australia in April 2013 to face Lucas Browne for the WBF heavyweight title. Toney lost the fight by wide unanimous decision. Seven months later on November 14, Toney travelled to London, England to compete in the heavyweight Prizefighter Series held at the famous York Hall venue. It was a special UK vs USA tournament with six fighters facing off in three round bouts. In the quarter-final, Toney faced English journeyman Matt Legg, and won by TKO in the third round, advancing to the semi-finals. In the semi-final, he faced fellow American Jason Gavern and lost by majority decision, and was eliminated from the tournament.

Toney's final bout came on May 13, 2017, at the age of 48. He defeated Mike Sheppard by sixth round stoppage; winning the WBF heavyweight title. After a career spanning 29 years and 92 professional bouts, Toney has confirmed he is officially retired. [23] [24]

Exhibition bout

Toney made a comeback to the ring at age 55 on November 11, 2023, when he fought 59-year-old Donovan Ruddock, a former top ranked heavyweight contender, in Kingston, Jamaica. The fight went all six rounds and was scored a draw, with the first two rounds being a standard three minutes, while the later four were shortened to two minutes. Both men were criticized for their lousy athletic appearances and sluggish slow pace, as both were clearly showing their senior age. Nevertheless, the fight went the distance. [25] [26] [27]

Fighting style

Toney is well known for his "old school" or "throwback" style of boxing, which consisted of frequent head movement and shoulder rolls to avoid punches, as well as his ability to fight off the ropes using slick upper body movement and in-fighting. As such, he is said to have possessed a very high ring IQ. Although Toney was considered a defensive fighter by many, he still applied pressure to his opponents and usually forced his style against them; in some ways he could be considered a defensive pressure fighter. Because of his experience, defensive skills and extremely durable chin, he was never stopped in his 29-year professional career and was rarely knocked down. [5]

Mixed martial arts career

Toney was spotted in attendance at UFC 108 on January 2, 2010, which led to talks between him and UFC President Dana White regarding fighting in the organization. On March 3, it was confirmed by White that the two had agreed and signed a multi-fight deal with the company, at the age of 42. [28]

To help his transition into MMA, Toney was coached by trainer Juanito Ibarra. [29] [30] Toney was later coached by Trevor Sherman. [31]

Toney vs. Couture, UFC 118

His debut fight was against UFC Hall of Famer and former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight champion Randy Couture at UFC 118 on August 28, 2010. [32] Couture scored a takedown against Toney early in the first round, and went on to submit him with an arm-triangle choke. [33] Toney was subsequently released from his contract with the UFC. [34] The match achieved notoriety, though it drew criticisms of being a freak show fight, among them by UFC President Dana White himself. [35]

Professional boxing record

92 fights77 wins10 losses
By knockout470
By decision2910
By disqualification10
Draws3
No contests2
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
92Win77–10–3 (2)Mike SheppardKO6 (12) 0:26May 13, 2017 Convocation Center, Ypsilanti, Michigan, U.S.Won vacant WBF (Foundation) heavyweight title
91Loss76–10–3 (2)Charles EllisUD10Aug 8, 2015 The Chase Park Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
90Loss76–9–3 (2)Jason GavernMD3Nov 14, 2013York Hall, London, England Prizefighter 32: heavyweight semi-final
89Win76–8–3 (2)Matt LeggTKO3 (3), 1:04Nov 14, 2013 York Hall, London, England Prizefighter 32: heavyweight quarter-final
88Win75–8–3 (2)Kenny LemosUD8Jun 28, 2013Sky Ute Casino Resort, Ignacio, Colorado, U.S.
87Loss74–8–3 (2) Lucas Browne UD12Apr 28, 2013 Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, AustraliaFor vacant WBF (Foundation) heavyweight title
86Win74–7–3 (2) Bobby Gunn RTD5 (12), 3:00Jul 4, 2012 Landers Center, Southaven, Mississippi, U.S.Won vacant IBU heavyweight title
85Loss73–7–3 (2) Denis Lebedev UD12Nov 4, 2011 Khodynka Arena, Moscow, RussiaFor WBA interim cruiserweight title
84Win73–6–3 (2)Damon ReedUD10Feb 24, 2011San Manuel Indian Casino, Highland, California, U.S.
83Win72–6–3 (2)Matthew GreerKO2 (10), 2:33Sep 12, 2009Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.
82Win71–6–3 (2) Fres Oquendo SD12Dec 13, 2008 Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Cabazon, California, U.S.Won vacant NABO and IBA heavyweight titles
81NC70–6–3 (2) Hasim Rahman TKO3 (12), 3:00Jul 16, 2008Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.Vacant NABO heavyweight title at stake;
Originally TKO win for Toney, later ruled NC after an incorrect referee call
80Win70–6–3 (1)Danny BatchelderSD10May 24, 2007 HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, U.S.
79Loss69–6–3 (1) Samuel Peter UD12Jan 6, 2007 Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.For NABF heavyweight title
78Loss69–5–3 (1) Samuel Peter SD12Sep 2, 2006 Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Lost IBA heavyweight title;
For NABF heavyweight title
77Draw69–4–3 (1) Hasim Rahman MD12 Mar 18, 2006 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.For WBC heavyweight title
76Win69–4–2 (1) Dominick Guinn UD12Oct 1, 2005 Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBA heavyweight title
75NC68–4–2 (1) John Ruiz UD12 Apr 30, 2005 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. WBA and IBA heavyweight titles at stake;
Originally UD win for Toney, later ruled NC after he failed a drug test
74Win68–4–2 Rydell Booker UD12Sep 23, 2004Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.Won vacant WBC Continental Americas and IBA heavyweight titles
73Win67–4–2 Evander Holyfield TKO9 (12), 1:42 Oct 4, 2003 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
72Win66–4–2 Vassiliy Jirov UD12Apr 26, 2003Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Won IBF cruiserweight title
71Win65–4–2Jason RobinsonKO7 (12), 2:47Aug 18, 2002 Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.
70Win64–4–2Michael RushTKO10 (10), 2:10May 31, 2002 Chinook Winds Casino, Lincoln City, Oregon, U.S.
69Win63–4–2Sione AsipeliUD10Mar 22, 2002Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
68Win62–4–2Wesley MartinTKO3 (10), 1:08Jul 30, 2001Crystal Park Casino, Compton, California, U.S.
67Win61–4–2 Saúl Montana TKO2 (12), 2:26Mar 29, 2001 Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Won vacant IBA super cruiserweight title
66Win60–4–2Courtney ButlerTKO3 (10), 1:14Nov 3, 2000 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.
65Win59–4–2 Terry McGroom MD10Jan 21, 2000 Alumni Hall, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
64Win58–4–2 Ramón Garbey UD10Oct 8, 1999Roseland Ballroom, Taunton, Massachusetts, U.S.
63Win57–4–2 Adolpho Washington TKO10 (10), 0:52Jul 30, 1999Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.
62Win56–4–2Terry PorterTKO8 (10), 2:09Mar 7, 1999 Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
61Win55–4–2 Steve Little UD12Jun 14, 1997 Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.Won vacant IBO cruiserweight title
60Loss54–4–2 Drake Thadzi MD12May 14, 1997Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.For vacant IBO light heavyweight title
59Win54–3–2 Mike McCallum UD12Feb 22, 1997 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.Won vacant WBU cruiserweight title
58Loss53–3–2 Montell Griffin UD12Dec 6, 1996 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBU light heavyweight title
57Win53–2–2 Duran Williams TKO9 (12), 2:06Aug 9, 1996 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Retained WBU light heavyweight title
56Win52–2–2Charles OliverUD10Jul 3, 1996Station Casino, St. Charles, Missouri, U.S.
55Win51–2–2Earl ButlerTKO4 (12), 0:46May 14, 1996Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Won WBU light heavyweight title
54Win50–2–2Richard MasonUD10Mar 1, 1996 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
53Win49–2–2Greg EverettKO2 (12), 2:03Dec 8, 1995 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Won WBU Continental cruiserweight title
52Win48–2–2 Ernest Mateen DQ5 (12), 2:59Sep 9, 1995Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBU light heavyweight title;
Mateen disqualified for repeated fouls
51Win47–2–2Freddie DelgadoTKO5 (12), 0:35Jun 18, 1995 Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.Won WBU light heavyweight title
50Win46–2–2 Anthony Hembrick RTD5 (12), 3:00Apr 30, 1995 Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won USBA light heavyweight title
49Win45–2–2Karl WillisTKO8 (10), 1:42Mar 20, 1995The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
48Loss44–2–2 Montell Griffin MD12Feb 18, 1995MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.For IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title
47Loss44–1–2 Roy Jones Jr. UD12 Nov 18, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost IBF super middleweight title
46Win44–0–2 Charles Williams KO12 (12), 2:45Jul 29, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF super middleweight title
45Win43–0–2Vinson DurhamUD10May 18, 1994Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.
44Win42–0–2 Tim Littles TKO4 (12), 1:03Mar 5, 1994 Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Retained IBF super middleweight title
43Win41–0–2 Anthony Hembrick TKO7 (10), 0:47Jan 16, 1994Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, U.S.
42Win40–0–2 Tony Thornton UD12 Oct 29, 1993 Civic Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.Retained IBF super middleweight title
41Win39–0–2Larry PratherUD10Aug 24, 1993The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
40Win38–0–2Danny GarciaRTD6 (10), 3:00Jul 29, 1993Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, U.S.
39Win37–0–2Glenn ThomasUD10Jun 6, 1993 The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
38Win36–0–2Ricky ThomasTKO10 (10), 0:51Apr 17, 1993Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, U.S.
37Win35–0–2Govoner ChaversTKO9 (10), 1:54Mar 23, 1993The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
36Win34–0–2 Iran Barkley RTD9 (12), 3:00Feb 13, 1993 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won IBF super middleweight title
35Win33–0–2 Doug DeWitt RTD6 (10), 3:00Dec 5, 1992Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
34Win32–0–2 Mike McCallum MD12Aug 29, 1992 Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF middleweight title
33Win31–0–2Ricky StackhouseTKO3 (10)May 26, 1992The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
32Win30–0–2Glenn WolfeUD12Apr 11, 1992 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF middleweight title
31Win29–0–2Dave TiberiSD12Feb 8, 1992Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Retained IBF middleweight title
30Draw28–0–2 Mike McCallum SD12Dec 13, 1991 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Retained IBF middleweight title
29Win28–0–1Francesco Dell'AquilaTKO4 (12), 0:43Oct 12, 1991 Stade Louis II, Monte Carlo, MonacoRetained IBF middleweight title
28Win27–0–1 Reggie Johnson SD12Jun 29, 1991 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF middleweight title
27Win26–0–1 Michael Nunn TKO11 (12), 2:14May 10, 1991 John O'Donnell Stadium, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.Won IBF middleweight title
26Win25–0–1Alberto GonzalezTKO5 (10), 2:00Mar 31, 1991 Sands Hotel and Casino, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
25Win24–0–1Merqui SosaSD12Jan 13, 1991 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Retained IBC middleweight title
24Win23–0–1Carlos SilvaTKO5 (10), 1:29Dec 10, 1990Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
23Win22–0–1Sanderline WilliamsUD10Oct 16, 1990Hyatt Regency, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
22Win21–0–1Kevin BrazierTKO2 (10)Aug 24, 1990Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
21Draw20–0–1Sanderline WilliamsMD10Jul 26, 1990Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
20Win20–0Ricardo BryantTKO4 (12), 2:19Jun 27, 1990 Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.Won IBC middleweight title
19Win19–0Horacio Rene BrandanKO2 (10), 2:06May 23, 1990The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
18Win18–0Jose Luis EstevenTKO5 (10), 1:25Apr 27, 1990Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
17Win17–0Toby TylerTKO5 (6), 1:57Apr 5, 1990The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
16Win16–0Philip MorefieldKO1 (10), 1:10Mar 1, 1990The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Won vacant Michigan middleweight title
15Win15–0Danny ThomasUD8Jan 20, 1990The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
14Win14–0Joe JohnsonTKO4 1:45Nov 29, 1989The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
13Win13–0Ron AmundsenUD10Nov 13, 1989Central Park Athletic Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
12Win12–0Robert ClintonKO1Oct 26, 1989 International Hotel & Resorts, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
11Win11–0Ricardo SimpsonKO2Oct 12, 1989The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
10Win10–0Joe SummersTKO2Sep 21, 1989 Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
9Win9–0Lemark DavisUD6Sep 7, 1989 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
8Win8–0Mark StephensTKO2 (4)Jul 20, 1989 Boat Club, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
7Win7–0Steve ChaneyKO1 (4)Jun 6, 1989Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
6Win6–0Arthur WillisSD4May 2, 1989Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
5Win5–0James FernandezUD4Feb 16, 1989Premier Center, Sterling Heights, Michigan, U.S.
4Win4–0Sammy JenkinsTKO4 (4)Jan 17, 1989Premier Center, Sterling Heights, Michigan, U.S.
3Win3–0Carl PennKO1 (4)Jan 10, 1989Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
2Win2–0Ronnie YoeKO1 (4)Dec 6, 1988 The New Daisy Theatre, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
1Win1–0Stephen LeeTKO2 (4)Oct 26, 1988Thomas Crystal Gardens, Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S.

Exhibition boxing record

1 fight0 wins0 losses
Draws1
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
1Draw0–0–1 Donovan Ruddock PTS6Nov 11, 2023National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston, Jamaica

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
1 match0 wins1 loss
By submission01
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss0–1 Randy Couture Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC 118 August 28, 201013:19 Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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References

  1. 1 2 Dooley, Terence (February 12, 2018). "James Toney: I Would Have Knocked Bernard Hopkins Out!". BoxingScene. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  2. 1 2 HBO Sports tale of the tape prior to the Vassiliy Jirov fight.
  3. ↑ "10: Best middleweight titleholders of the last 50 years". RingTV. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Was James Toney Ever Young?". 28 April 2005.
  5. 1 2 3 "James Toney". BoxRec.
  6. ↑ "James Toney Even Turned Out 'Neon' Deion's Lights". 20 August 2008.
  7. ↑ James Toney. BoxingInsider.com. Retrieved on June 19, 2014.
  8. ↑ "If Anything, Toney Knows How to Fight". The Washington Post .
  9. ↑ "The Lineal Middleweight Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  10. ↑ Nunn Out
  11. ↑ "Ring Magazine's Fighters Of The Year". BoxRec.
  12. ↑ James Toney vs. Dave Tiberi – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia. BoxRec. Retrieved on June 19, 2014.
  13. ↑ "James Toney vs. Iran Barkley". BoxRec.
  14. ↑ "Toney vs. Williams". BoxRec.
  15. ↑ James Toney vs. Roy Jones, Round 3. YouTube. Retrieved on June 19, 2014.
  16. ↑ "10 funniest post-fight interviews in boxing history: James Toney". Complex.com.
  17. ↑ "James Toney Punishes Rydell Booker". Thesweetscience.com. 23 September 2004.
  18. ↑ Sandomir, Richard (12 May 2005). "Toney Fails Drug Test and Is Stripped of Title". The New York Times .
  19. ↑ James Toney: He ain't heavy; He's a heavyweight! FightFan News Wire (September 11, 2009)
  20. ↑ Haskin, Kevin (February 25, 2011). "Reed loses decision to Toney". Topeka Capital Journal. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  21. ↑ Crawford, Percy (November 8, 2011). "Toney to undergo Knee Surgery". Fight Hype. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  22. ↑ Jake Donovan, James Toney Stops Bobby Gunn In Five Rounds. Boxing Scene, 8 April 2012.
  23. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick (15 May 2017). "James Toney (apparently) retires with (apparent) knockout victory". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  24. ↑ Simpson, Bakari (25 May 2020). "James Toney: "If I get 6 or 7 figures, They Ass is Knocked Out"". 3 Kings Boxing. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  25. ↑ Austen-Hardy, Patrick (2023-11-13). "Boxing legends with combined age of 114 face off as fans slam 'disturbing' fight". Daily Star. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  26. ↑ "James Toney, Donovan "Razor" Ruddock Box To A Draw In Kingston, Jamaica - Boxing News". www.boxing247.com. 2023-11-12. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  27. ↑ Davies, Harry (2023-11-14). "Boxing fans up in arms after legends with combined age of 114 scrap it out". The Mirror. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  28. ↑ "Toney signs multifight deal with CCFC". ESPN. Associated Press. March 3, 2010.
  29. ↑ Marrocco, Steven (March 3, 2010). "Trainer Juanito Ibarra to coach UFC signee James Toney in transition to MMA". MMA Junkie. Archived from the original on June 9, 2010. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
  30. ↑ Fontanez, Erik (March 4, 2010). "James Toney's Coach, Juanito Ibarra: "We're Gonna Shock The World"". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
  31. ↑ "Handicapping James Toney's Chances Against Jared Mellon at CCFC 6". Bloody Elbow. 13 August 2010.
  32. ↑ "UFC 118: Penn vs Edgar 3". UFC.com. Retrieved June 21, 2010.
  33. ↑ Greisman, David (August 28, 2010). "James Toney was destroyed by Randy Couture at UFC 118". Turtleface.com. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
  34. ↑ Greisman, David (September 9, 2010). "James Toney Officially Released By UFC". CagedInsider.com. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  35. ↑ Mike Straka (2011). Fighting Words: In-Depth Interviews with the Biggest Names in Mixed Martial Arts. Triumph. ISBN   9781617495311.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Dwight Davison 		Michigan middleweight champion
March 1, 1990 – April 1990
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Joe Stevenson
Vacant
Title last held by
Saúl Montana 		WBC Continental Americas
heavyweight champion
September 23, 2004 – December 2004
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Michael Moorer
Vacant
Title last held by
Derric Rossy 		NABO heavyweight champion
December 13, 2008 – August 2009
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Brian Minto
Preceded by IBF–USBA light heavyweight champion
April 30, 1995 – February 1997
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
William Guthrie
Minor world boxing titles
Inaugural champion IBC middleweight champion
June 27, 1990 – March 1991
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Danny Garcia
WBU light heavyweight champion
June 18, 1995 – December 6, 1996		Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Thomas Hearns 		WBU cruiserweight champion
February 22, 1997 – May 1997
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Don Diego Poeder
Vacant
Title last held by
Booker T Word 		IBO cruiserweight champion
June 14, 1997 – May 1998
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Robert Daniels
Vacant
Title last held by
Lou Savarese 		IBA heavyweight champion
September 23, 2004 – September 2, 2006		Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Samuel Peter 		IBA heavyweight champion
December 13, 2008 – November 2017
Vacated		Vacant
Vacant
Title last held by
Gene Pukall 		IBU heavyweight champion
April 7, 2012 – November 2017
Vacated
Vacant
Title last held by
Peter Graham 		WBF (Foundation)
heavyweight champion
May 13, 2017 – November 2017
Vacated
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by IBF middleweight champion
May 10, 1991 – February 15, 1993
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Roy Jones Jr.
Preceded by IBF super middleweight champion
February 13, 1993 – November 18, 1994 		Succeeded by
Roy Jones Jr.
Preceded by IBF cruiserweight champion
April 26, 2003 – February 11, 2004
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Kelvin Davis
Awards
Previous:
Julio César Chávez 		The Ring Fighter of the Year
1991		Next:
Riddick Bowe
Previous:
Evander Holyfield 		BWAA Fighter of the Year
1991
Previous:
Vernon Forrest 		The Ring Fighter of the Year
2003		Next:
Glen Johnson
BWAA Fighter of the Year
2003
Previous:
Micky Ward vs.
Arturo Gatti 		The Ring Fight of the Year
vs. Vassiliy Jirov
2003		Next:
Marco Antonio Barrera vs.
Érik Morales III
Previous:
Arturo Gatti		 The Ring Comeback of the Year
2003		Next:
Marco Antonio Barrera
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