Good post GA, you certainly know much more about Steele than myself, he's certainly a great puncher with beautiful combination although he did look a little 'straight up' for my liking though. While not being an out and out come forward fighter, he still wouldn't use the lateral movement that could trouble Toney, I just see Toney landing the cleaner blows plus there are some similiraties with Apostolli (not sure if Steele was prime for that though)
Based on the short clips I've seen of Steele he could beat Toney. That said, we've seen Toney at his best and worst. It would be nice to have more footage of Steele to make a more honest evaluation.
The problem for Toney is that Steele will also be at his best. That's how these match-ups are presumed to go unless otherwise noted. Toney's propensity to take breaks and inability to fit into the middleweight limit comfortably would cost him against Steele. Also, Steele's footwork would be problematic for James. On the other hand, when Steele went into the pocket, he would have to limit his work and get out quickly. Otherwise, he could get a hard counter from James. I'm giving the edge to Steele.
I think this is an interesting matchup. I think Toney has a tendency to take rounds and/or portions of rounds of or where his workrate is decreased. I think that will open up some opportunities for Steele to take some rounds and contest other ones making them close. But I don’t think Steele’s style helps him but rather the counter puncher Toney. I think I would pick a Toney 7-5 decision or an 11th-12th round stoppage. Either way Toney takes this
Definitely look up more on Steele if you can. He's the most under appreciated ATG, in comparison to his greatness in my opinion. Steele matured into his power (since he went pro at 14). He had the type of power that could dent even Toney.
The film of Steele's fight with Lesnevich is as impressive as the Dundee fight This content is protected