How did james toney get so out of shape?

[Dr Rumack]

Discipline, or the lack of it.

[Sugar Adam Ali]

Toney's skills are so off the chart that the dude could not train but do alittle sparring and jump rope, no dieting, and still be able to hang within anyone including natural heavyweights

[Wuckoo]

Toney's skills are so off the chart that the dude could not train but do alittle sparring and jump rope, no dieting, and still be able to hang within anyone including natural heavyweights

He jumped rope? I mean it makes sense considering how good his coordination was but I can't imagine him doing so without hurting his shins due to the excess weight.

[Dr Rumack]

Toney's skills are so off the chart that the dude could not train but do alittle sparring and jump rope, no dieting, and still be able to hang within anyone including natural heavyweights

Exactly. He was so ridiculously talented and such an instinctive understanding of the sport that all that other stuff didn't seem necessary. Imagine what he could have been if he had the right mentality as well.

[Wuckoo]

Exactly. He was so ridiculously talented and such an instinctive understanding of the sport that all that other stuff didn't seem necessary. Imagine what he could have been if he had the right mentality as well.

He had the right mentality for fighting that's for damn sure. Just not for training, just wanted to rumble in sparring all week then fight in the ring. I remember reading an article where arum said he tried to keep him active just to keep his weight down. If only people fought as often as toney nowadays. Provided they aren't past their prime like toney is nowadays

[Luilun]

I keep wondering how toney got out of shape in what seemed like a short space of time. He used to be in pretty decent shape early on in his career.

Did he just stop doing roadwork? I've seen videos of him doing strength and conditioning and the guy seems pretty strong even now.

The only thing I can think of is that his style never required him to be athletic so he just did whatever he liked. Even though he sparred hundreds of rounds and fought often his style doesn't require incredible athleticism.

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