By Dave Wilcox
About a week ago, yours truly wrote an article while in a state of ecstasy. The article was entitled, “Thank you James Toney!” At the time, I couldn’t have been happier. You see my friends; James Toney had rid us of the disease that was known as John Ruiz by defeating him and lifting the WBA belt from the Dark Side. I compared my feelings at the time to that of a Red Sox fan last October when they finally reversed the curse of the Bambino. As it turns out, my ecstasy has quickly turned into a sense of horror. James Toney has tested positive to some form of illegal steroid, his title was taken away and then handed back to the man who haunts my dreams.
Just as I compared my feelings to Red Sox joy, I now must switch the feeling to that same Red Sox fan that saw Bill Buckner watch the ball go through his legs in 1986. Bucky Dent has nothing on James Toney; in fact I will now refer to James as, James “f-cking” Toney. Just as the Red Sox faithful refer to Bucky Dent. I almost feel like Michael Corleone in Godfather III. You remember, “Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in!”
It’s now official; only two things will be left on Earth after “The big one”, cockroaches and John Ruiz. The immediate retirement by Ruiz has now turned into new life for “The Quiet Man”. He has his title back and Don King is working hard to get his next Title defense lined up. James Toney against any other title holder brings excitement and I would actually look forward to a Heavyweight fight with the names Chris Byrd or Lamon Brewster attached. As it sits now, I can’t think of a worse phrase in the English language than “Chris Byrd vs. John Ruiz”. Actually, I probably could, how about “Lamon Brewster vs. John Ruiz”.
My suffering is deep and I can’t think of anytime I’ve felt worse, except for the time my wife called me at work in early December and uttered the statement, “My mom is spending Christmas with us this year.” I hate to sound like a whiner, but I think I have the right. James Toney has dangled the carrot in front of us and just when we think our problems have been taken care of, he yanks it away.
Don’t get me wrong, I love James Toney and realize that his suspension will be short. I’m sure after ninety days his name will pop up for potential fights against the other “champs”. For now, I’ll continue to work on my skills as it relates to forgiveness. If I can forgive Sugar Ray Leonard for running around and stealing one from the great Marvin Hagler, I’m sure anything is possible.
My wife has flushed all the sleeping pills down the toilet and she has hidden my Colt 45, so for now I should be safe to continue the healing process.
Until then, welcome back John Ruiz….and Damn you James Toney!!!
Keep punching
