Toney to fight on the Klitschko-Arreola undercard?

James Toney fighting on the Vitali-Chris Arreola undercard would make a lot of sense. It doesn't even matter who he'd face, just give him a fight (why not Jameel McCline?). Toney actually is in fighting shape for once - this has been reported by several credible sources - but he doesn't have a fight scheduled right now. If Vitali or Arreola should get injured in their preparations for the fight, Toney could step in without a problem. This scenario is not unlikely, with Arreola currently being more overweight than Toney ever was, and since we know that Vitali has a history of suffering injuries before and in fights (although this seems to have ended now). Besides that, Toney still has a strong fanbase in L.A. and would help to sell out the Staples Center. Toney is still promoted by Dan Goossen, who is co-promoting this card, so this shouldn't be a problem.

 

that was actually funny

 

You got a good point there. But James Toney, one of the most skilled fighters to ever step into a ring, has to humble himself now and adjust his demands. His last showings just don't justify him headlining such a big card. Even a die-hard 'Toney nuthugger' like me would think it ridiculous if Toney would headline this card in an IBA belt title-fight while Vitali would defend his WBC belt on the undercard..

This is not some small local event after all, this is a worldwide televised WBC HW title-fight. As I said, there's a small chance he 'd get to fight in the main event anyways, if Arreola or Vitali get injured and he steps in. And even if that won't happen, there's a reasonable chance his undercard fight would get televised by HBO too.

 

That is indeed a good idea, jc. Toney is ranked at #11 with the WBC right now. Ray Austin is ranked at #3 - ???.

Ray Austin, old Maskaev, or up and coming Manuel Quezada would be good opponents, all ranked in the top 10 with the WBC, and all beatable.