Lets talk about James Toney.

[soul_survivor]

Where do you rank him all time? What are your general thoughts on him?

I had him at no. 49 in my list, which you can find here: http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=608842

But that list is in a state of flux at the moment and I'm working on a new one, so he could easily slide out of the top 50. Having said that, at times he could be fun to watch but sadly his skills, heart, chin and dedication never combined to create the rarest of combinations.

I always wanted to see him do better, not because I was a fun but because he could do better and that is both the best compliment and worst criticism.

[sbeatz]

Supposedly there's sparring footage Manny had of those two back in the Kronk days. A few reporters on hand said they had some wars. Still in an actual fight I'd have to favor Toney by stoppage.

Gerald for all his explosive talent, had a really untested career. He had three big wins against Mugabi, and Jackson (2x), but nothing else. Granted he was stepping up in weight against Benn, but once Benn survived the initial onslaught, Gerald was getting outboxed and getting hit with clean shots regularly. I think Toney would've took Gerald's best and been landing hard shots on Gerald all night.

[sbeatz]

James was rather ordinary until Bill Miller instilled inside of James what you see James still using today. Make no mistake about that fact.

No mistake will be made on my part, RIP Pops!!!!! Considering that Toney started boxing around 17-18 coming from Football, Pops did an amazing job since James looks like such a natural fighter. Those Ezzard Charles tapes really show in his style.

[lightsout15]

A true fighter, in every sense of the word. Great defense but he wasn't boring AF like Floyd. Loved his confidence and thrash talk, the british interwiew where he said he'll fight benn and eubank at the same time was hilarious.

[lightsout15]

James Toney- " No fighters in england, they're all bums" lol

[Beercules]

James Toney- " No fighters in england, they're all bums" lol

[malcolm]

Where do you rank him all time? What are your general thoughts on him?

Was my favorite fighter coming up as a lil kid. I had never seen such a combination of offense and defense.

Toney's shell like D was very effective. The guy had one of the best chins of all time. His style was fan friendly and his personality was exceptionally entertaining.

They don't make them like Lights Out anymore.

I'd take prime James Toney over Prime Bernard Hopkins.

Top 100 fighter imo.

[Eastcoast]

Thank you sir!

[KillerJones]

Supposedly there's sparring footage Manny had of those two back in the Kronk days. A few reporters on hand said they had some wars. Still in an actual fight I'd have to favor Toney by stoppage.

Gerald for all his explosive talent, had a really untested career. He had three big wins against Mugabi, and Jackson (2x), but nothing else. Granted he was stepping up in weight against Benn, but once Benn survived the initial onslaught, Gerald was getting outboxed and getting hit with clean shots regularly. I think Toney would've took Gerald's best and been landing hard shots on Gerald all night.

Even in that Jackson fight he was in a bit of trouble.

But I still think Gerald is or could've been a great. First off, it's quite unfair he wasn't given a first round KO in the Benn fight.

And, if he had a proper trainer, even going against a someone like Benn at your first fight at 168, I think he could've beaten him soundly. Gerald needed an uppercut for the ducking and diving of Benn. Benn ended up being more effective than I would've thought, that night. I mean, the ducking just ended up being surprisingly effective at avoiding that straight right, over and over.

A McClennan Toney fight would be super interesting. I don't think it would be so straightforward at. That ridiculous straight right of McClennan was great. At 160, anyone getting hit with clean would be out. And he was so fast and relentless. But Toney did like to duck and dive coming in, and we saw how Benn did that against McClennan. And Toney is indeed a great.

His inside game was so damned smooth and powerful. Never quite seen anybody do it like that.

[Larry the boss]

Man had all the talent in the world, was tough as nails and took no ****...even as a fat slob he was beating top fighters