#LIGHTS OUT TONEY PRO#

The next 21 months would show Toney excel both on the mic and in the ring.ДЄfter successfully defending his title against Tony Thornton and several non-title wins, ToneyвЂ™s next significant fight was on Maagainst the unbeaten contender Tim Littles. During the post fight interview with Larry Merchant, Toney became the first athlete ever to shout out hip hop acts during an interview as he gave shout outs to Dr. It was a virtuoso performance that ended after the ninth round as Barkley quit in his corner. Expertly taught by his trainer Bill Miller, Toney embarrassed Barkley the entire fight with this style.

#LIGHTS OUT TONEY PRO#

He gave his opponents incredible head movement and was the master of the shoulder roll years before Floyd MayweatherвЂ™s pro debut. He was a master boxer who didnвЂ™t dance and moved around. What made ToneyвЂ™s style so special and unique is that he stayed right in front of you. Toney was one of the greatest defensive fighters and counterpunchers of all-time. My father was a fan of BarkleyвЂ™s brawling style but he agreed with me that his style was tailor made for the defensive and boxing acumen of Toney. On February 13, 1993, Toney, undefeated in 35 fights, challenged IBF Super Middleweight Champion Iran Barkley. While the run only lasted 21 months, it was good enough to make him the fourth greatest fighter in Super Middleweight history.

After an incredible run as the lineal World Middleweight Champion, Toney moved up to Super Middleweight in 1993. After a brief amateur career, Toney turned pro in 1988 at the age of 20. Instead of attending Western Michigan on a football scholarship, Toney instead turned to boxing. Toney was a very volatile athlete who didnвЂ™t adhere to team rules. While starring on his high school football squad, he also had a side hustle selling crack cocaine. Toney was one of the nationвЂ™s top high school quarterbacks in the mid-1980s while attending Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There havenвЂ™t been too many fighters in the history of boxing who combined ability, charisma and a personal story greater than James вЂњLights OutвЂќ Toney.

Lights out toney