Other than the first big shot Lewis landing KO'ing Bruno (the 1st big left hook in the 7th round actually hurt Frank, who froze and was then stopped on his feet following a further bombardment of a dozen or so huge punches), I agree with all of this mate, a fair post. I accept my "if" he fought smart would be a pretty big if.
Yes, I'm a fan of the guy, but once he started to tire then the end came soon after. If the Mccall fight had been 15 then Frank gets stopped there too.
Well even if we say Toney didn't beat anyone good at HW we would still have a limited clubber with no ring IQ who lost every important fight (apart from one) vs an iron chinned ATG with masterful defence skills. However whatever the confusing and unsatisfactory results Toney still fought on even terms with Ruiz, Peter and Rahman. And while Evander was pretty shot, James looked good winning while Holy still had enough left in the tank to challenge for a title twice more and go the distance both times. This is not even bringing to the table Toney's huge advantage as far as over all competition at all weights compared with Frank. James fought the very best and that experience (bar a lucky punch) would see him through against Bruno. This is of course not taking into account PEDs, which would alter things and Bruno could get a NC when James tested positive for something naughty!
Yes good point! I feel a bit bad slagging him because Frank was a boxing icon in the UK and a decent bloke. At least he made a lot of money and I hope has recovered from his mental health issues and is enjoying life. He still had a quality and exciting career.
You guys seriously overrating Toney at heavyweight.For all of Franks limitations he was a genuine world level fighter at the weight and would beat Toney
He was extremely talented, as evidenced by his non-Tyson defeats. 9-0 up aged only 23 vs James Smith. Ahead or even after 8 vs Witherspoon. Ahead or even after 6 vs Lewis. That's a fighter with considerable talent. His poor stamina and complete lack of either survival skills or instinct once hurt, meant he was always going to be limited in what he achieved, and, as I said, make it difficult for me to make him a favourite over HWs I don't think he could stop.
Poor Frank routinely gets bashed about on this forum. He wasn't good enough to beat the very best, but he did fairly well overall. It's a strong possibility that he loses here though.
But how do you rate Ruiz, Peter and Rahman (and others James fought at HW) compared to Frank's opponents (outside of Lewis, Witherspoon and Tyson who I see beating James as well)? I mean all three were ranked HW contenders (and champs) so James fighting on even terms with them would suggest he was a genuine contender at HW surely?
Yep, Rahman could definitely hit, as did the others. They never really hurt Toney to be honest either.