James' just needs someone to handle the corner...nobody is going to tell him anything he doesn't know. He did and looked great in the Rahman rematch.
It's amazing how low the bar is set for this man. He's a professional athlete, he's 5'9, a former middleweight...and people think 230 lbs is reasonable shape for him? James Toney should be no more than 200 lbs. Even at his advanced age (especially considering that he uses the roids) It's no trainers fault, the trainer does not follow a fighter around 24/7 watching everything they put in thier mouth. Toney's perrenial out-of-shapeness is because the man is lazy and not very dedicated. It's a shame because look how well he can fight, even in the condition he's in. He's got an amazing natural ability. Imagine if this guy actually took the time out to put 100% into his craft.
The trainer has to ensure that his fighter is in proper physical condition come fight time. He has his part of responsibility. What else does he do then?
I would like to see more boxers with the level of skill to Toney has. I think Toney and Hopkins know the sport by now more than most trainers do. It would be hard for any of them to listen to their corner. The only reason Toney needs a trainer, is to be in-shape and obviously this has never happened in the last few years.
james toney 's traines doubles as the delivery man at krispy Kreme..thats all the running that man is gonna do
he was below 230 for his rahman fight which having been above 230 lately was a pleasent sight. it'd be nice to see him turn back the clock and give oquendo a Barkely kinda beating. not very likely however
The trainer teaches boxing, and gives the fighter the exercises to get in shape. The trainer could even tell the fighter what to eat, and when, but if a fighter does not do this, it's the fighters fault. A trainer can only do so much. I'm fairly certain that no trainer tells James Toney, "keep eating they way you do, we want you to come in carrying 45 lbs of extra fat".