Looking Back; Jirov-Toney, What A Fight

I've been reading this site for years now and this is one of the few tremendous fights that never really gets mentioned. Some had it very close, some had it wide (myself included) but for all 12 rounds this was terrific. Jirov threw a lot and showed a lot of grit and heart, but it was a boxing clinic from Lights Out and one of my absolute favourite fights. I'm interested to see how people scored it. Workrate up against clean work and pure skill. Personally, I had it 116-110 for Toney. Toney, when he was in shape and motivated, was truly immense. Skill level was as high as any. P.S. round 12....Manny Steward at his best. 'Oh my gawwwd, he's hurt. Awwww. My Gawwwd. Awwww. He down.'

Comments (12)

DosRounds

Bad ass fight. James Toney is a genius inside the ropes. Only low point of the night was Lederman's scoring. noone has inside skills like him. His defense is impregnable and his accuracy is laser sharp. The 12th round KD was great

13y ago

illmaticfighter

that fight is a brilliant example of boxing... one of great skill display by toney and great heart an will by jirov.

13y ago

PBP

Bad ass fight. James Toney is a genius inside the ropes. Only low point of the night was Lederman's scoring.

13y ago

Dr_Rumack

Yeah a fantastic fight. Toney was just incredible.

13y ago

ShoulderRoll

It was an awesome fight. Jirov was tough as hell and gave as good as he got while Toney was just freaking masterful.

13y ago

gmc_rfc_06

Hell of a classic. And I think I remember Manny Steward trying to downplay Tony and giving Jirov ups the whole time. What was the beef there? It was Lederman giving Jirov way too much credit. He somehow found ways to score certain rounds for Jirov, even though Toney was cracking him with beautiful power shots throughout. Lampley was also getting caught up with Jirov's activity at times, but for the most part the commentary helped withh the fight....except Lederman, of course.

13y ago

Bodyshot3

Jirov was the sort of granite-hard-guy you would want in the trenches with you....if you were ever unlucky enough to find yourself having to fight in a war. Brave, remorseless and unremittingly hard. That's why the Red Army won the battle of Stalingrad, people like Jirov turned-up with a rifle and fought like hell and until they were forced to drop or beat the enemy with their fists. Terrific fight and a good reminder why Toney deserves a big cigar and prime seat at the IBHOF.

13y ago

STREET_CLEANER

Not only it displayed Toney's skills but his chin and punch reisistance. Jirov was ripping him to the body and Toney just kept doing his thing

13y ago

paulf

Hell of a classic. And I think I remember Manny Steward trying to downplay Tony and giving Jirov ups the whole time. What was the beef there?

13y ago

DosRounds

I wonder how his career would have turned out if he didn't like Burger King so much

13y ago

The_Big_Dunn

very true. great great fight. agree with your scoring too.