James Toney: The ring legend with the knowledge to influence modern boxing for the better

Ring legend James “Lights Out” Toney (77-10-3 47 KOs) fought 90 times in over five different weight classes - picking up numerous world titles and international belts along the way, he was never stopped and enjoyed a remarkable professional career. 

Originally trained by former KRONK coach Bill “Pops” Miller, Toney’s style featured links back to the ‘old school’ and that ‘throwback’ style that appears to be missing from a number of top names in the sport today.

Talking about when he first saw Toney, Bill Miller said “I looked at James and said ‘It looks like he’s a good athlete, all he needs is someone to stay on him and push him, and be willing for someone to teach him, because up until then, he’d probably never dealt with anyone like me.

Toney went on to achieve greatness in his career. He did this by matching the sheer amount of knowledge he aquirred with his natural tough physicality, raw talent and pure desire to win. Known for constantly sparring and working with as many different people as possible, Toney clearly has a vast wealth of boxing “gold dust” to pass on to the current generation of professional boxers.

Toney gave an example of this recently when he gave Caleb Plant (18-0 10KOs) some tips ahead of his maiden IBF title defence against Mike Lee (21-0 (11 KOs): -

Above anything, the 50 year old could add manier a new dimension to a boxers game, with his expertise in footwork, defence, counter punching, inside fighting, ring intelligence…. I could go on but let’s face it, the man knows everything - what could this kind of influence add to a boxer like Anthony Joshua’s game at this stage of his career?

Ringsiders, which of the boxers listed below do you beleive would benefit the most from having James Toney in their corner?