Heavyweight contender James Toney is never at a loss of words. However, his latest proclamation would make even the most hardened beat writers in boxing scratching their heads. “I know that my promoter (Dan Goossen) is seeking the best fights for me in the heavyweight division. However, I am willing to drop down to 185 pounds and fight Bernard Hopkins. They say that he is a legend. I will prove that I am the living legend. He is a good fighter, but I will knock him out.” Toney won a close twelve round split-decision over Fres Oquendo in December at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Morongo. Hopkins, who has never weighed more than 174 pounds during his 20 year professional career, soundly defeated Kelly Pavlik by unanimous decision in October. figthnews.com
At this point Hopkins. Toney is waaaaaaay past it. And you would ask him to drop that huge amount of weight? Toney would probably gas himself out in this fight.
Hopkins beats Toney at any point in their careers, including now, at any weight. It's not even like Toney is fighting at a healthy weight at Heavyweight, so I would take Hopkins even in a fight at Heavyweight.
Hopkins KO1. It wouldn't be an actual punch that does it though. Toney would feint and crash face first in the opening few seconds of the fight from simply making 185. :tong
Hopkins wins even before the fight begins - Toney will never make 185 lbs. However in my book, Toney is far a greater fighter than Hopkins. So if anything, Hopkins should be the one moving up to HW and chasing Toney.