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James Toney DUCKED Wladimir Klitschko
Why won't Toney fight Klitschko?
By Ben Cohen: It was reported recently that heavyweight James Toney rejected an offer of $1.5million to fight WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko.
The Michigan born fighter who started his career at 160lbs, has steadily eaten his way up to 237lbs, beating up many world-class fighters along the way. He has shown absolutely no fear of any of the heavyweights, and has proved his worth at 200lb plus to all those who doubted him.
So why then, has Toney decided not to fight Klitschko in what would certainly be the biggest and most competitive heavyweight fight in years?
It is not as if 'Lights Out' has shown any reservations in fighting the big men of boxing. Officially making his mark in the heavyweight division with a 9th round TKO of veteran Evander Holyfield in 2003, Toney has since been involved with two Heavyweight championship bouts.
In 2005, Toney took on John Ruiz for the WBA belt, and clearly out boxed the ponderous 'Quiet Man', taking a unanimous decision. However, Toney was found to have banned substances in his system (the residuals of medication he was taking for an injury he claimed later), and was stripped of the title.
Toney came back with another good points victory over Dominick Guinn, and was then given another title shot against WBC champion Hasim Rahman in early 2006.
Weighing an enormous 237lbs, Toney boxed well, but was outworked by a fitter Rahman for many of the rounds in the fight. The bout was declared a draw, and Toney again, went home without the belt he has sought so desperately since turning professional in 1988.
Toney has again been offered a shot at the Heavyweight title, this time Klitschko. Uncharacteristically he has backed out saying the money was not good enough.
In the past, Toney has referred to Klitschko as "garbage", calling him a "bum with no chin" and saying he could beat him "with ease".
Klitschko has had an uneasy few years, getting knocked out twice, and looking far from stellar in several of his outings. However, he has recently bounced back with a huge victory over former rival Chris Byrd. The Ukranian bludgeoned Bryd in five extremely one sided rounds, displaying some excellent defensive work and phenomenal punching power.
Could it be that upon viewing the fight with Byrd, Toney does not fancy his chances against the 6ft 5 Klitschko?
Not so, says trainer Freddy Roach.
"Well I wouldn't fight Wladimir Klitschko for 1.5 million dollars", Roach told Secondsout flatly.
"That's not enough money to fight a guy like that for the world championship. For the right price he will fight the right guy. I know he is the mandatory for the winner of the Rahman fight, and maybe he'll get better paid for that," he said of Toney's proposed world title rematch.
And to be fair, this is a good point from camp Toney. Klitschko is probably the most dangerous heavyweight out there, and after all of Toney's training expenses, he would only walk away with a few hundred thousand. For the biggest fight of his life, that is not nearly enough motivation for a man of Toney's age and stature in the game.
And what of the weight? Coming in almost 80lbs over his former middleweight self, Toney has hardly looked serious about fighting someone of the skill and power of Klitschko. He may have been able to get away with it with the John Ruiz's and Hasim Rahman's of boxing, but Wladimir Klitshcko is definitely in a different league.
Will Roach put his foot down about Toney's weight if he was to fight Klitschko for the title?
"The thing is, I don't think I'm going to have to put my foot down", replied Roach quickly.
"I think that James realises that he needs to be in better shape, and if he doesn't realise then he never will. James is his own man, and I've had some talks with him, and he realises he needs to be in better shape. If that can't motivate him, then I don't think anything can. If that doesn't motivate James Toney then he's not going to be heavyweight champion of the world. He is 10-15 lbs away from that title, he knows that and he'll make the adjustments. I'm sure of it."
Having stated that he would come down to under 220lbs if he were to fight Klitschko, does Roach believe that Toney is actually physically capable of making decent weight?
"Its just like when he fought Jirov", he said referring to Toney's magnificent performance all the way down at 190lbs in 2003.
"He knows he can do it."
And if he can't, it would not be wise for him to get in the ring with someone as good as Klitschko.Comment
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that's good someone came up with that but it was a couple years ago & 1.5 million is kind of low but I got to admit the offer was there & he may never get another shot but at the sametime he was paid more vs Rahman & thought he was getting a rematch after the draw with Rahman.Rahman then lost to maskaev.hindsights 20/20 but the offer was on the table & he never bit.I understand toneys view on the money & a rematch with Rahman but I have to admit toney has to shut up on his comments on the klits.he had a chance but rejected it.toney is my favorite boxer but I got to say he blew his chance.Comment
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Toney knocks Wladimir out after a prelonged beating.He's got milk.Wlad's got a glass chin.
Oh and his sister Vitalia.Comment
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Heeeeey Joooooooooooe! I will make you an offer better than Toney's from Wladimir. I bet you 10-1 odds that Vitali not only beats Cris Areolla, but he knocks him out. Even better, I bet it happens before the 10th round. This includes any kind of TKO or corner retirement as well. That's my 10k against your 1k. What do ya say? PM me for the bet.Comment
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Toney has a brash personality. Colorful? I'd call that *******.Comment
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Toney can't really be calling out champions when he is fighting someone like "Matthew Greer". How about Toney give a rematch to Fres Oquendo instead? If you can't legitimately beat Oquendo you have no right to call out the Klitschko's.Comment
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