Is prime James Toney the best inside fighter of the last 20 years?

Mayweather is not as good on the inside as Toney was.

 

Another fighter who was a master in this department is Jose Luis Castillo.

 

Also RJJ was a brilliant inside fighter when he elected to fight there.

 

When he had his legs yes 100 % agree

 

Yes.

 

His best inside performance was 21+ years ago (Barkley).

 

Chavez was better, many people have him just behind Duran

 

Hatton was damn good, De La Hoya was underrated, Riddick Bowe was very good too. Bert Cooper was my favorite to watch. No trickery. Just took what you had and gave it back.

 

No. Overall Toney was a better inside fighter than both. He was slicker, a better technician and counterpuncher.

Duran and Chavez were however more vicicous offensively on the inside.

 

chavez sr. is more effective than toney on the inside. toney is flashier but that doesn't equate to being better. montel griffin beat up james toney on the inside and walked him down. chavez is better inside and also better at making the ring a phone booth. mayweather is another overrated inside fighter because he has been bullied on the inside on more than one occasion by guys who couldn't hold chavez or duran's jockstrap.

 

Toney ain't flashy but effective. A better technician, counterpuncher and defender on the inside than Chavez.