Does talent outweigh a belly?

**vB Martin** · 04-30-2005, 11:13 PM

Originally posted by Anorak

Yes, Anorak fans, it's a thread you'll all love - it's a flippant remark thread AND it mentions Danny Williams! Two for the price of one!

But just how much credit do we give to talent over ***** **** and a big fat belly? I remember on here last December people were slating Danny Williams for excess weight going in against Vitali Klitschko.

Now, granted, Williams could have doubled as a blimp and might as well have had "I'm Vitali's punchbag" tattooed on his forehead, but the battle of the belly was effortlessly won by James Toney tonight. His gut was so big he made Danny Williams look like a featherweight in comparison.

Those ***** **** of his were so big they were lactating every time he threw a punch - man, I got the horn! My point? Does having serious boxing skill forgive a multitude of bellyarse sins?

Toney definitely has the talent and natural toughness and athleticism to overcome his laziness in the gym, but it will only carry him so far. I think he just hit the end of the road.

His opponent tonight was someone who should never have had a heavyweight belt to begin with. I can't pick Toney over any current champion.

Can you imagine the legend this man could have left behind had he ever applied himself?

**Tha Greatest** · 04-30-2005, 11:37 PM

[IMG]http://i3.***********.com/albums/y72/ThaGreatest/juhjk.bmp[/IMG]

**Sister Sledge** · 04-30-2005, 11:48 PM

Originally posted by vB Martin

Toney definitely has the talent and natural toughness and athleticism to overcome his laziness in the gym, but it will only carry him so far. I think he just hit the end of the road.

His opponent tonight was someone who should never have had a heavyweight belt to begin with. I can't pick Toney over any current champion.

Can you imagine the legend this man could have left behind had he ever applied himself?

You are correct. Toney is so talented. He's one of the best fighter's I've ever seen. He will make it to the BHOF, but man, he could have been so much better had he applied himself all the time. He may have won this time, but he's got to be in better shape. I say at around 220 lbs., he'd be a major threat to every titleholder.

**vB Martin** · 04-30-2005, 11:52 PM

Originally posted by Sister Sledge

You are correct. Toney is so talented. He's one of the best fighter's I've ever seen. He will make it to the BHOF, but man, he could have been so much better had he applied himself all the time. He may have won this time, but he's got to be in better shape. I say at around 220 lbs., he'd be a major threat to every titleholder.

A major threat to every title-holder may be a bit of an overstatement. He would give up 10 inches in height and what might as well be 50 feet in reach to Big Klit. That's a lot to overcome, regardless of your talent.

I could see him beating Brewster, but I think Golota will beat him to that. I think it would be close with Byrd, but I still give the edge to Byrd in that one.

**Guest** · 05-01-2005, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by Tha_Great_Rippuh

[IMG]http://i3.***********.com/albums/y72/ThaGreatest/juhjk.bmp[/IMG]

I shouldn't laugh, but I did...

**The Troll** · 05-01-2005, 08:57 AM

You dont have to have a pefectly cut pysiche to be a great fighter. I have seen guys in K-1 that are kinda small and with a belly knock everybody they face out in round 1, much larger men at that. Then James Toney proves the point again.

Wladimir Klistchko has one of the finest cut Pysiches boxing has ever seen but he is by no means one of boxing best fighters.

**The Pretender** · 05-01-2005, 09:42 AM

Ruiz is the most perfect boxing specimen from a physique standpoint that has ever graced the sport. The man is like an etched bronze statue, so pronounced is his muscle definition. You have to give credit where its due and Ruiz had the complete package: physical, mental, and raw talent!

**Guest** · 05-01-2005, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by The Pretender

Ruiz is the most perfect boxing specimen from a physique standpoint that has ever graced the sport. The man is like an etched bronze statue, so pronounced is his muscle definition. You have to give credit where its due and Ruiz had the complete package: physical, mental, and raw talent!

I'm being outhustled by a fellow wind-up merchant!

**paul750** · 05-01-2005, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by Anorak

I'm being outhustled by a fellow wind-up merchant!

either that or he has forgot to take his medication

Does talent outweigh a belly?