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What Are You Gonna Do About It? Toney Says To Klitschkos
By David A. Avila
While one heavyweight battered and moved against a smaller but determined heavyweight, James “Lights Out” Toney sat in the audience watching the one-sided affair with disgust.
That was last week at the Staples Center as Vitali Klitschko beat up Chris Arreola.
“Klitschko was scared to death of Arreola,” said Toney. “That’s why he fought that way.”
Toney shook his head at the sight of Klitschko hit and running against a smaller man and doesn’t believe Klitschko or his younger brother will ever step in the ring with him. He has proof.
“I saw Vitali at the fights. He told me he read what I said about him and his sister Wilhemina,” said Toney as only Toney can say. “I told him what are you gonna do about it?”
Later younger brother Wladimir Klitschko walked by and reiterated what his older brother Vitali said. Once again Toney said: “What are you gonna do about it?”
It’s a running feud that has continued for the past six years.
Why won’t either Klitschko fight Toney?
It’s a good question. Because though many fans of the Ukrainian brothers believe it would be a mismatch, you would think the Klitschko brothers would be anxious to cash in on Toney’s name and stamp themselves as one of the best heavyweights in history.
Or, maybe they are afraid of losing to a much smaller man who now weighs just above 200 pounds?
“So called boxing experts keep giving them credit. They’re bums,” said Toney who weighed 217 at his last fight after several years fighting sluggishly above 230 pounds. “It would be an easy fight with either of them.”
Sitting ringside Toney said that Arreola proved he has the tools but didn’t know how to use them against the mobile WBC titleholder Klitschko.
“Vitali likes to put his head back when he’s against the ropes,” said Toney. “All you got to do is hit him in the stomach and come back with an uppercut to the head when it comes down.”
It’s a simple formula if you’re Toney. He’s been considered one of the most skillful fighters of the last 20 years and has world titles at the middleweight, super middleweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions to prove it.
Steward
About six years ago a fight almost was consummated between Toney and one of the Klitschkos, but a last-minute decision to ditch the contract was made and the world never saw it happen.
Emmanuel Steward, who trains Wladimir, is seen as the person responsible for persuading the brothers to avoid Toney.
“James has the wrong style for Wladimir,” said Steward several years ago. But maybe now that Wladimir Klitschko has accumulated more technique under Steward he’s ready for a showdown with Toney?
Attempts to reach Steward were unsuccessful who saw Toney as a youngster when he arrived at the Kronk Gym in Detroit many years ago.
“I used to beat up all of his fighters,” said Toney.
After watching Klitschko beat up Arreola and force the Riverside fighter’s corner to halt the fight at the end of the 10th round, many including Klitschko said it was Arreola’s inexperience that led to his defeat.
Not Toney.
“When I beat Michael Nunn for the world championship I didn’t have experience at that level,” said Toney. “You got to have it inside and do whatever it takes to win. You can’t stop until it’s over.”
Toney won’t be stopping his quest for another heavyweight showdown soon. In fact, the prizefighter is willing to fight at a lower weight against Roy Jones Jr. or Bernard Hopkins at a catch weight.
“I weighed 202 pounds today. Mark that down,” said Toney who says he could drop down more if necessary. “None of the so-called good heavyweights want to fight me.”
Dan Goossen, president of Goossen-Tutor Promotions said he’s working to get Toney in the world title picture.
“I’m going to see what I can do but I don’t know. I don’t know if they (Klitschkos) would take him. He’s certainly earned it,” said Goossen who has heavyweight Eddie chambers ranked number one and ready to fight Wladimir. “We’ll see.”
Toney said hearing other people say there are no good American heavyweights make him furious.
“If they want to fight America’s best they got to fight me. All those other fighters don’t got nothing. Kevin Johnson is too young and the others don’t know what it takes,” says Toney. “I’ll get rid of Vitali then I’ll get rid of the other one. They’re tailor made for me. They don’t got nothing I haven’t seen before.”
Now it’s up to the Klitschkos.
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hm:
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the Klitchkos won't fight him because they are afraid when the lights are out!
Friday Oct 2, 2009 03:50:20 PM
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ez da fez:
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toney was life and death at best, and on the losing end at worst, in his fights with hasim rahman and sam peters, both of whom were completely out classed by the brothers K. its simple enough math. how has he earned a shot? he would be destroyed. let him fight haye and then maybe it'll be up for consideration. james toney is almost as annoying as ron borges with his whiny and complete disrespect for the class of these two honorable champions. There's no two better exemplary fighters in the sport period.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 04:10:10 PM
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rudy:
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Seriously, he gets crushed worse than Arreola, Peter, Chagaev. Quit giving this guy publicity. Finished as a top HW.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 04:13:32 PM
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Shep:
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Toney got smoked by Sam Peter and Vitali whitewashed him and Wladimir beat him by decision. Toney would get KNOCKED OUT by either Klitschko. He couldn't hurt Wladimir, and DEFINITELY couldn't hurt Vitali. They'd walk right through him. Toney's act is so old.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 04:30:59 PM
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Pork:
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People who say it's a mismatch are probably right. Probably...but the old classic boxing cliches apply to this mathcup. Toney under 220 lbs beats anyone not named Klitschko.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 04:46:24 PM
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Radam G, a most humble PacManite:
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The ex-Two-Ton Toney could be right. As Skinny Toney, he has a better chance of counterpunching the Klitschkos to a really close-match win. The game has change, though. I'm not certain that Toney could get a decision over them. About 15 or 20 years ago, it would not have been any doubt. But nowadays, boxers get points for scared punching, featherfisted punching, slapping, shadow-boxing punching -- also can be called air punching -- and plain old heavily miss punching. Toney would be hitting with powerful counter-punches and body shots. The doctor brothers will be volume air-and-miss punching, tapping, slapping and straight-up running and b*tch punching. And nowadays blind-and-dumb-don't-know-jack-or-jill-or-how-to-find-a-molehill judges will robbed Toney. And Skinny Toney, reminiscent of Two-Ton Tony Galeto (name may be misspelled) is spot on. "'Em Klitschko sisters are bums, very ones, I do say with the utmost respect. They (sic) scare of me." All you haters and faders, who don't Dilly Joe. Bum is affectionness, not condescending or empty mean like too many of some of the jokers who don't boxing or it slanguage and talk. Holla!
Friday Oct 2, 2009 05:39:00 PM
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Radam G, a most humble PacManite:
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Wow! I forget to post my name on the up. Back to work for humane purposes like alway. Donate to the Red Cross and your favorite charity. Give generously. Holla!
Friday Oct 2, 2009 05:44:11 PM
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pete steward:
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Toney will crush them both and looking how shot vitalis legs were last Saturday Toney will KILL HIM from inside. Wlady has always been a HUMPY DUMPY just waiting to fall off the wall again. Toney will knock him off the wall, and all the kings horses all the kings men not HBO'S B.S will be able to put him together again.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 05:59:14 PM
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Fistic Fury:
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I agree he would be destroyed by either Klitschko especially Vitali. Also Goosen said he has earned a title shot... HOW exactly??? By beating Rahman or the bum he beat recently, give me a break. I hope Vitali gives him a shot just to shut him up (I know, not possible) or just to take him out the picture then we can look forward to Povetkin, Chambers, Solis and Haye getting their chance...
Friday Oct 2, 2009 06:15:43 PM
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ali:
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A Prime Toney vs Hopins who wins I got Toney
Friday Oct 2, 2009 07:49:03 PM
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superninja:
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toney is such a classless loser. While i agree it would be nice to see either Klitschko KO him, he doesnt deserve it. I would like to see the contract negotiated around a victory... say 80/20 to the victor. then we would see who really thinks they can win. Toney wants a payday and is willing to get KO'd for it.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 08:01:26 PM
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kountedout:
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prime toney over hopkins anyday. hopkins never fought mike mccallum either. i don't think toney should get the opportunity to fight the klitschkos because he hasn't beaten anybody. they should have a tournament and the winner faces either klitschko. have toney fight haye or kevin johnson fight eddie chambers. or toney fight the return of shannon briggs. the klitschkos would destroy all of the above but at least we will weed out the reall garbage and have the best of the garbage fight the kilitschkos.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 09:19:30 PM
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mortcola:
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Kiddies, Toney was outjabbed by Sam Peter. Granted, he was fat. But what makes anyone think that Toney could land and counter well enough from WAY DOWN THERE to break down guys as big, mobile, and accurate as the K-Boys? Other than treating a sadly faded Holyfield like a heavy bag, what heavyweight top-tenner has Toney ever even really hurt with a shot? Who has he stalked and broken down? He is a boxing genius, against crude fighters and guys not too much taller who will be within a half-step away for inside exchanges, in which he can roll and counter. But no matter what the weight, there's nothing in his arsenal to beat guys this dominant. And silly Pete Steward - Vitali has always been knock-kneed in the ring. But his legs were in great shape, and never failed him, for moving, setting up, sliding to the side. Again, if you know the sport at all, you don't mistake looks for technique or effectiveness. He has barely lost a dozen rounds in his career. Are you sure Toney does something magical against him?
Friday Oct 2, 2009 09:33:56 PM
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mortcola:
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....and, yes, Toney beats most heavyweights today if he is in shape. But he is also old, and doesn't hit really hard at heavy -sharp, good body puncher, yes. And he has always talked trash, and often couldn't back it up. All respect to his boxing prowess, but he's not what you would call a realistic thinker.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 09:35:52 PM
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aaron:
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A good matchup for Toney would be as a gate keeper for Denis Boytsov or Deonte Wilder. Those guys are moving up to take command as the new heavy weight generation, Boytsov esspecially should step up soon to add a big but faded name like Toney's to his resume.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 09:54:50 PM
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Isaiah:
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Let me clear it up in case there's any doubt. Toney is an old 40. Vitali is a young 38 and has every advantage over him. Wladmer is only 33 and would beat Toney to, although Toney might have a better chin. Toney has done nothing to earn a shot. Is he really so anxious to finally get knocked out? Get in the ring with a Klitschko and find out. (Especially Vitali)
Friday Oct 2, 2009 10:04:43 PM
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Isaiah:
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Heck, if you all want to see how Toney does against an elite guy in his prime, you should see his embarresing UD loss to Roy Jones. Vitali would do Toney one better and knock him the F out in probaly the mid rounds.
Friday Oct 2, 2009 10:08:32 PM
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Robert Curtis:
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I'm the kook who says James Toney would win against either Klitschko, but neither Vitali or Wlad will ever take the fight. Nothing to win either way, and too much to lose. It will NEVER happen, so it makes this well written article pointless. No offense, David. I love you and all the TSS writers. Toney vs. Cristobal might be a good fight to get the Mexican-American warrior back on track. Although the lack of clean-eating on both Toney's and Arreola's part do not promise an Ali/vs./Frazier sort of struggle. Toney is an ancient prodigy with super hard-learned skills. Arreola is chubby plugger who never paid real dues. I think the fact of NO PAYDAY stands between the Klitschko's and Toney. So it will never happen. Fun to think about, but it is just more fantasy boxing. God, it seems like the heavyweight game died before I grew to love it, and I'm in my forties!
Friday Oct 2, 2009 10:58:08 PM
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Fistic Fury:
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The fight could definitely happen but only if Toney earns it and fights his way to being one of the Klitschko brothers mandatory because the Klitschko's always fight their mandatorys...
Saturday Oct 3, 2009 06:09:20 AM
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Matthew:
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Toney probably is a difficult matchup for either Klitschko brother, but he's also very delusional. He was lucky to get past Fres Oquendo last year. He lost twice to Sam Peter. His speech has gotten thicker, and he is easier to hit now than ever. To be honest, he only became a heavyweight because he couldn't stop stuffing his face. Toney was at his best at middleweight and super middle. He should never have fought above cruiserweight. I'd like to see him retire before he gets hurt, but I'm sure he won't.
Saturday Oct 3, 2009 08:23:22 AM
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rta2:
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Toney vs Arreola. If Toney can stop Arreola quicker than Klits, then maybe that would get a couple of fight fans clamoring for Toney vs Klits.
As far as the senior's circuit goes, Hopkins vs Jones vs Toney, or some combination thereof. It would be a fan's nightmare. All three old i.e. don't throw many punches. Counterpunchers waiting to counterpunch each other. No thanks.
Saturday Oct 3, 2009 10:37:12 AM
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Porkupine:
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Toney's decision over Oquendo qualifies him for a shot as much as Haye beating Barret does. Oquendo's at least a top-20 guy. Denis Boytsov and Ola Afolabi are the future of the heavyweights! Escecially Denis -- first time in a long time you see a guy fight and instantly know he's special. Check him out.
Saturday Oct 3, 2009 11:14:42 AM
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d:
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styles make fights i have jones over hopkins again in an easier than expected fight. if toney is around 200 pounds hes could beat the klitchko bros. i have cotto knocking mannys ass into yesterday. and floyd would shut out pacquiou no questions asked the only player out there whos got a shot at floyd is p williams. and a pre magagrito cotto. its funny i think cotto fought won of his best fights against margarito and still lost. and to me plaster or no plaster that is not what beat miguel cotto what beat cotto was margarito eating all his best punches and smiling at him. that is whats up.
Saturday Oct 3, 2009 03:00:08 PM
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Chlly Palmer:
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Touche, matthew and the main reason the fight will not happen with either Kliks is plane and simple too tones tony is flat out "Boring" to watch. And any major promotions knows it, he last fought on VS! And guess what it was a boring fight even if he won against Quest Fendo..or who ever!
Saturday Oct 3, 2009 05:05:07 PM
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Nate:
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Show and prove James. You are showing you can bring the weight down, and you WERE def the man, but you have got to beat a TOP 10 fighter first easily, then I'll be a believer, no more weak journeymen like at Pechanga... You could be worthy, but it's the waiting game, For now Eddie C. earned his shot first. Why don't you fight Chris A. first? That proves a lot and it's good west coast moneyfight. At Vegas, Oracle, Staples Center or The Tank.
Saturday Oct 3, 2009 08:59:27 PM
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BLUESMAN:
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The Klitschkos would freaking kill James Toney! Who is Toney kidding!?! Toney needs to go back home to Golden Corral where he belongs! AND I DARE TONEY TO FIGHT DONNELL HOLMES!
Sunday Oct 4, 2009 08:14:54 AM
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AFN always with Toney, but...:
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James Toney will always be the Man in my book, but I have to agree with the substance, if not the bile, in most of the comments here. The Klits are technical machines, always in prime condition, and not to be taken lightly ever. James probably has an outside chance against Wlad if he could hit him and get past the jab and defence. Vitali would be too much. I agree James would be better off bad mouthing the bad mouthing Brit Haye, perhaps wear a t-shirt with Haye's dad's head on it or something. Unless he does something dramatic I don't see the Klits being interested at all. But Toney is still the Man. EL TOONOY
Sunday Oct 4, 2009 03:44:11 PM
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boxer:
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Anybody who thinks toney is thru doesnt know boxing. seriously. u guys who though rahman beat toney especially in the second fight or truly blind or didnt see the fight. he owned rahman. thats whay that buster quit. if the klitschkos wud kill toney why wont they fight the dude. ask urself if you'll claim to know so much.
Sunday Oct 4, 2009 11:31:46 PM
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Paul Taylor:
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Toney was a very good boxer and a Hall Of Fame trash talker but that was a long time ago. His schtick is as old as boxing. Goad the reigning champ with insults until his blood boils so hot he gets in the ring for a lucrative pay day. A heavyweight haha it's called. Cha-ching! It's the world's second oldest profession: pimping. In this case, pimping himself. Toney isn't fooling anyone. Either Wladimir or Vitaly would decapitate this former world beater, now well past his best before date.
Monday Oct 5, 2009 09:49:30 AM
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bill major:
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ill tell you why toney has a good chance at beating these guys,because they dont go for the ko in their fights.they just stay away and try to out box them.if james came in at his weight now 202 lbs and was trained and conditioned ,he could beat either one. they just dont push the envelope ,ever. they are to safe and it would cost them ,give toney all the time he needs to execute his plan.they would need to go after him and not let up then ko him but they just dont do it like that.are they good boxers? yes of course,are they class acts / yes they certainly are but killer instinct they do not have,toney does.p[lus when you are an older fighter,you need to be up for your bouts ,guys like hasim "the rock" and sam "the nigerian nightmare" just didnt do it for james, i think with a title at stake it/ll be a differant story.
Monday Oct 5, 2009 12:39:51 PM
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Isaiah:
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First of all, I just want to say that I do think Toney beat Hasim Rahman twice and Toney's first fight with Sam Peter could have gone either way. Now here's the bad news. Sam Peter was able to make Toney hit the canvas in the second fight and Sam won that one hands down. I've seen what a Klitschko can do to one of these guys who gave Toney a very hard time and Toney is not beating either of the brothers. Styles may make fights and these brothers may seem not exciting enough sometimes, but there's a reason they almost always get the stoppage. Toney is too far gone to be a serious threat to them. I hope he can prove me wrong by beating a top ten guy, but I won't hold my breath.
Monday Oct 5, 2009 05:35:22 PM
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hinduw:
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epic faaaail. got wooped around by rahman...RAHMAN..and sam peter twice...toney has nothing left. i dont care how skinny you are. i dont care if you are 190! Just cause you run your mouth doesnt mean you can earn a shot at klitschko. Toney needs to rerank himself before he starts carving them old chestnuts out again.
Sunday Oct 25, 2009 08:35:08 PM
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Angie And Goody...23 Years Later
Twenty three years later after they seconded Marvin Hagler and Ray Leonard in Las Vegas, Goody Petronelli and Angelo Dundee crossed paths again. This time, it was at Foxwoods. Photo/friend of TSS "The Iceman" John Scully reports there were only pleasantries exchanged. Goody didn't debate the split decision victory enjoyed by Leonard, which to this day Hagler disputes.
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