How highly would rank James Toney all time ?

I'd say that Floyd was clearly more dominant at 130 and 147 than Toney was at any weight class. The same for Hearns at 154 and Jones at 175 and even 168.

They clearly beat every one they met at those weights (well, Jones at least before Tarver), while Toney didn't really separate himself from Johnson and McCallum even when he was well prepared. I personally think McCallum got the slightly better of their fights at MW.

And so what that he was below his best level against Tiberi? A crucial part of being great is to keep as close to your top level as often and for as long as possible.

 

For me, looking dominant at 160/168 and then being top ten Calibre through heavyweight is just as impressive to me as if he had stayed at 168 and dominated there for a decade, which I believe he easily could have done if he chose to. Idk. Toney was a very young pro when he met Johnson and mcallum. winning tough fights at the highest level as a young pro hardly says anything negative about him. He looked about as good as one can look at 168. I think he had some very underrated performances at 175 and 190.

 

I don't think he looked dominant at either 160 or 168, though. How can he look dominant at 168 when getting completely schooled by RJJ?

Yes, he was young in an extremely competitive MW divison, but he never took that step up to become a dominant champion. He came into a very competitive SMW division, but didn't really face the best until he ran into Jones. It's said he was drained at 168 lbs, but he almost vanished in obscurity at 175 instead of flourishing.

But, yes, his revival at CW and HW, steroid boosted as it was, was very impressive.

 

Those that rank Toney the highest seem to do so on this thinking - on what they think he could have done if he always was in good shape rather on what he actually did. This is meaningless speculation to me. Staying in shape isn't some random luck thing, it's a crucial part of being a pro athlete.

I recommend everyone who haven't to see "The Last Dance". That's what true greatness is all about. Talent and dedication.

 

Toney WAS knocked down by Reggie, Roy Jones and Sam Peter (2nd fight)

 

Toney needed Roger Mayweather to train him. Roger never let a fat **** show up for a fight and he could’ve had Toney moving his feet. The press conferences would’ve been funny too.