Toney Vs. Hopkins

[!! Mr. Soprano]

Both fighters lost to RJJ, but who do you think would have won if they fought each other (160 Lb)?

[Bonafide]

BERNARD without a doubt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JuicyJuice]

James Toney, at his best that is.

I don't think Hopkins was in his class, quite simply.

[ROSEWOOD]

Both fighters lost to RJJ, but who do you think would have won if they fought each other (160 Lb)?

Hopkins didnt want to see that boy...

[K-DOGG]

Hopkins...and here's why. Toney, while a phenominal middleweight, had trouble making weight practically from day one. His middleweight bouts were plagued with periods of inactivity, such as in his fight with Dave Tiberi.

Hopkins was just as skilled as Toney, more active in his youth, and had no trouble making weight.

Hopkins would win a decision; but Toney would give him hell all the way.

[Bozo_no no]

It doesn't line up properlly.

Toney's best days at middle were in the early 90's.

Hopkins was considered a prospect when he fought Roy in 93.

Bernard was really coming into his own in 1996 when Toney was Lt Heavy.

Providing you could take Hopkins out of the Joe Lipsey fight in 96 and pull James from the 1st Nunn fight in 1991...


you'd have a helluva fight. I really don't know who I'd lean to because both versions of those guys at those points where stellar middleweights.

[Moschino045]

wow, this is a real interestin fantasy fight. i cant seperate them, & quite frankly who cares wins ? we would just see a great exhibition of boxing from a pair of awesome technicians

[beezy 14]

It could go either way but if we're talking about both in their prime's then I slightly favor Toney. They both have great defense but a prime Toney seemed to be the better athlete overall IMO.

[oldgringo]

The Toney of '91 and the Hopkins of say, '97 is a hell of a fight. Toney is the better athlete and has a few natural gifts that Hopkins doesn't, but Hopkins by that point is a polished fighter.

Toney had trouble making 160 sure, but during 91 he was still able to beat 3 really good fighters while drawing with another HOFer.

Hopkins doesn't get away with the rough stuff in this one and doesn't hurt Toney...it basically comes down to who is more active in the fight. I'd say Toney but I wouldn't bet my house on it.

[oldgringo]

Hopkins...and here's why. Toney, while a phenominal middleweight, had trouble making weight practically from day one. His middleweight bouts were plagued with periods of inactivity, such as in his fight with Dave Tiberi.

Hopkins was just as skilled as Toney, more active in his youth, and had no trouble making weight.

Hopkins would win a decision; but Toney would give him hell all the way.

I'd disagree with some of this. Hopkins in his youthful MW days did not possess a handful of the tools that James possessed in his younger days. Strictly speaking, through their first 28 fights or so, James showed better skills and a better threshold for taking punishment. The way he set up a polished, slick champion like Nunn for a knockout was unbelievable for a relatively untested kid. Toney had only really fought the tough Sandy Williams and Merqui Sosa to that point. Hopkins didn't really start to blossom until after his 30th fight or so (or whenever he knocked out Mercado in their rematch).

The weight thing is very true, as James has always had a problem with his weight, but if you pull the absolute best versions you can pull from each guys "younger" middleweight days then I think James has an edge (although slight).