Fantasy Fight: James Toney vs Andre Ward who would have won prime for prime?

I completely agree. But with his jab, movement and tactics, Ward would still make it a close fight in my opinion.

 

Ward was very good on the inside, just not in a spectacular fashion.

He would use movement and angles mostly against Toney, though. My money would be on Ward.

 

Ward would have to spoil Toney. Ward's jab had a good authority to it, it was well timed, well placed and had a ton of value as a highly accurate counter that could stop guys in their tracks. Ward didn't have the speed or fluidity on the inside James possessed, but his grappling game could slow it down. Ward has good feet in terms of getting angles but I don't think he's got the foot speed to keep away from James.

 

except that Ward is no Roy Jones.Less hand and foot speed

 

Ward and Toney at there peak nearly identical in ring IQ. The difference which separates
them is Ward mindset. He last loss a fight at 12 and went 20 ys underdefeated. Ward digs
deep and finds that extra 10 % and wins pts.

 

Armchair guesstimate , Ward seals a close UD with superior athleticism.

 

In what way is Ward more athletic?

 

Roy attacked James with the lead hook for a reason. Weather it landed or not it allowed Roy to yank James head down to prevent James from countering. James is very tough to jab with his head movement anyway.

 

In his movements around the ring.

 

I disagree. Ward had average foot speed.

 

Thats a different conversation. In relation to James Toney it was better.

 

To me Mc Callum was bit more skilled than Ward.Mike had a better jab than Ward too. I think mc Callum and Nunn had more natural abillity than Ward.The reality is that Ward never fought anybody as skilled and talented as an in shape prime Toney. Good close fight but my money would be on James in this one.