When did Toneys excellent defensive skills...

Toney was a Damn good fighter at 160-168, then RJ gave him a boxing lesson, and Toney got fat and starting moving up in weight and the wheels fell off of his career..
He's to short to be a Heavyweight, and dosen't have the punch&power to deal with guy's 200+, so his career is for the most part over..

 

Yes, that is exactly right. When you are standing in the pocket you are going to take a lot of half-hits which the judges half to score but really don't affect you all that much. James Toney was never in the habit of blocking punches with his head like Arturo Gatti.