12 round fight for fair territory. James Toney will be fighting at 175lbs on the night which is likely his 168lbs prime fight night weight. Harold Johnson will likely show up at 170lbs as a self confessed small light heavy. I think this is a very good match up.
Think this goes similarly to Johnsons fight with Hank. He uses his jab and movement to box his way to a clear decision over Toney but lights-out remains in the fight the entire way.
Leaning towards Harold Johnson. Toney was a great fighter but light heavyweight wasn’t an especially successful division for him.
I could see Tony smartly counterpunching his way to a decision here. Harold might be just about right for James style-wise to allow his defense to shine and just enough telling punches to swing it his way in a close one that would be long debated.
I'm glad to see that people here respect Harold Johnson for the craftsman he was. I was a teenager during his championship reign when he fought often on television. He was a classic boxer-puncher who could outpoint you or knock you stiff. I would like to know more about the "poisoned orange" incident that got him suspended. I've always assumed that Blinky Palermo was the shadowy figure behind it.
Technical boxing at its best. I think Johnson’s jab helps keep Toney off of him and out points him in a competitive fight. Both fighters will try to find good counter shots but I think Johnson will score just a bit more with his jab and combinations.
This isn’t Toney at 175lbs who was likely 185-190 at the fight this is the 168lbs version who was likely 173-178lbs during the bout.
