How High do you rate the Middle - Super middle, version of James Toney? Iyo, what do you feel his weakness were in his game? Personally I don't think he had many, very talented old school. Mainly the weight issues which turned him in to a bloody heavyweight! And would you give him a good shot at the top Middles in their era?
At those weights: there were 2 Toneys. The one that came in right and in shape (Mc Callum, Barkley) and the one that was out of shape and weight drained (Tiberi, Roy Jones). At his best, he could do it all, very tough guy to beat. Iwould take somebody like a prime Hagler or Roy Jones to beat him in competitive fights
His weakness was sometimes his output could be low, but at his best he's one of the finest Middleweight/Super Middleweights in history. Iron chin, great defence, great all round fighter all in all. For me his style of fighting is like a throwback to legends of the 50s and so on, i could just imagine him fighting in the black/white era fighting a technical masterpiece vs the likes of Dick Tiger, Carmen Basilio, etc.
Definitely see him fighting back then in the golden eras, black and white film footage showing him at his best.
Love his fights against MM and Barkley. Great dominating performance against Iran despite Barkley being a bigger dangerous guy.
Yeah Toney truly was fighters fighter and a tough out for anyone. At his best, I don't think anyone is going to stop him at Middleweight. He simply was to good defensively and one of the toughest men ever. The only way is on points which I thought McCallum barely did in their first fight ( toney clearly won the other two). The key to beating him is speed and not staying in front of him. Bringing the fight to him means almost certain defeat via brutal counter punches.
James Toneiy is my favorite fighter of ALL TIME. The only weakness I could really say that he had was maybe he didn't have the fastest feet, although in his prime it was more than adequate. Outside of that when he didn't come in tip top shape he could occasionally be erratic and a little subpar in his performance. At his best he was truly one of the finest boxers we will ever see. He had a top notch chin, amazing defense and had an uncanny ability to slip punches with the greatest of ease. He had above average power that he carried as high up as Cruiser weight. Good hand speed and another one of his great assets was how calm and relaxed he was in the ring, which allowed him to go as many rounds as he wanted because he didn't expend as much energy.
His footwork was less than great. He was beatable by any durable fighter who could make him move and reset. I wouldn’t be shocked if Calzaghe could 12-0 him.
He's a great fighter against the right styles but high class movers and boxers will test him. I'd say over the course of history there'd be some guys that would surprise against him. Roy Jones best for best clowns him every time out. Hagler would comfortably outpoint him as would Monzon. Sumbu would be an interesting assignment.
I can’t assign a specific numbered rating. But I think James Toney is a true all time great. He was never stopped in the ring. He beat Mike McCallum, Michael Nunn, Iran Barkley, Doug Dewitt, Reggie Johnson, Charles Williams and Vasily Jirov. Probably an underrated fighter if truth be told