This fight doesn't get mentioned in James Toney's best fights, yet I think it's an underrated aficionado's type fight. I had Toney winning 116-112, Griffin got a lucky decision, still Griffin was effective for large portions of the fight with quick left hooks and sneaky jabs. Griffin had this success while basically standing in front of a Toney who wasn't weight drained and was strong at 175, and Griffin did not run or use a ton of lateral movement, rather used his style of moving from the waist and placing with accuracy to make many rounds close. Toney's early body punching and ultimate success with his trademark counter right hand ultimately won the day. Also, the short counter right that seriously wobbled Griffin in round three was an absolute thing of beauty. Not an all time great fight, Griffin/Toney I is still a chess match worth watching and a really interesting stylistic matchup between two throwback skill fighters.
I thought Toney deserved it and the rematch. That says something because I think Toney has historically been on the winning end of decisions that could or should have gone the other way.
I thought Toney won too by 116-112. His counters won me over and he was landing the more damaginf blows. Good fight though I found the second fight boring. Who knows I might change my mind as I haven't seen it in awhile.
I never had a problem with the decision in neither of his Griffin fights. I always failed to understand why Toney should have won it . I think a draw could fit it best but not a particularly bad decision . Some may also say he was on the losing , winning and drawing ends of decisions that could or should have gone the other (or especially neither) way.
With judging fights there's always going to be different opinions on who won unless it's a one-sided beatdown Chavez-style. Close fights especially will have those who agree or disagree with the decision.
