James Toney vs Carlos Monzon 15 rds

When Toney was motivated/in shape he was capable of giving anyone you care to mention at 160 lbs. a tough fight. But given his inconsistancies, it's hard to pick against a champion as consistant as Carlos Monzon. I think Monzon's utilization of his height and reach play a major factor here...Toney was excellent at slipping right hands, and he does trouble Monzon stylistically with fast combinations at midrange, but he could not usually sustain that type of fight. Toney needs to get set to fire off his combinations, while he is doing that Monzon would step back and fight at a strategic distance and make Toney come to him time and again, using his jab and leaning back from Toney's attempted counters. Toney would open himself up more by having to come at Monzon.
Monzon by UD.

 

Monzon is pushed to his absolute limit here. How well he can tie up JT is the key here. Carlos will eek out a points win if he controls the distance effectively. But if Toney can get inside and counter to the body, then it might go his way. But I don't see that happening.

 

I pick Monzon by decision. Monzon was more consistent than Toney ever was. Toney at his best could beat Monzon I think, but his consistency was a weakness.

 

I agree with this 100%. And I think this is the crux of the fight. Whoever can control the range and tempo, and these are two things I think Monzon will control.

Toney's lack of movement and disability to deal with lateral movement does not bode well for him here. As I think Monzon can hold the fight at long distance and outwork Toney with lots of long straight punches, just keeping Toney busy and off balance and not necessarily scoring.

Toney obviously has success, but it would be limited.