Holyfield vs Toney: Has it really come to this?

Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime

By Jim Kurtz

02.10 - Has it really come to this? Two fighters destined for Canastota ready to do battle. Two fighters who have earned the praise and respect of fight aficionados worldwide. Two fighters who have gained enough notoriety and acclaim to be instantly recognized by their nicknames, nicknames which are among the best in the sport. Two fighters who have never been accused of backing down from a challenge. Two fighters, without a title at stake, ready to go toe to toe on October 4th. And one question remains, WHY?

One is only days shy of his 41st birthday, a veteran of 46 fights. The other is a spry veteran of 72 fights who recently celebrated his 35th birthday, it only feels like he turned 40 about five years ago. Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield VS. James "Lights Out" Toney is here.

Just over 12 years ago no one could have ever seen this coming. It was the spring of 1991 and the heavyweight division was thriving. 28 year old Evader Holyfield had just decisioned the formidable George Foreman in his first defense of the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World. The same title he had annexed from Mike Tyson conqueror James "Buster" Douglas six months earlier. Evander was the man but worthy challengers were plentiful.

Tyson and Razor Ruddock were battling to position themselves for a shot at "The Real Deal". Foreman was still a factor. Larry Holmes had begun a "Foreman Like" comeback. A bumper crop of talented young pugilists, which included Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis, Ray Mercer, Tommy Morrison, Michael Moorer and Bruce Seldon, were knocking on the door to contention. The present was intriguing, the future was bright.

40+ pounds to the south a new sensation had arrived on the scene. Twenty-two year old James Toney changed the landscape of the middleweight division, in Davenport, Iowa of all places, by emphatically knocking out the heavily favored Micheal Nunn, in the 11th round, to capture the IBF Middleweight championship. The young and charismatic Toney had arrived in dramatic fashion.

Just over 12 years ago the heavyweight division appeared to have the talent to carry the sports glamour division into the 21st century. Today, through attrition caused by rape convictions, interstate kidnappings, medical conditions and numerous instances of jail time, the bright future of the heavyweight division has dimmed. When it became apparent that the ever elusive next great heavyweight was nowhere to be found fight fans, cable giants, promoters and managers worked tirelessly to create one. From Briggs to Golota to Tua to Grant to Johnson to the Klitschko's each had flaws which were exposed. Byrd and Ruiz, never to be mistaken for Louis or Marciano, took advantage of being in the right place at the right time. When guys named Simil Sam, Juan Carlos, Dokiwari, Dominic, DaVarryl and Baby Joe are the future of the division you know the heavyweight division is in trouble. When they average over 30 years of age and they are billed as the "Young Heavyweights" you know the heavyweight division is in trouble. If this crop of young heavyweights is the future of the division Chris Byrd may threaten the record of successful defenses by Joe Louis, as long as he can avoid Fres.

Why has there not been a talented young destroyer to grace the heavyweight landscape in recent years? Where are all of the talented young prospects? The young talents are playing the glamour sports of today, sports like basketball and football, in hopes of reaching the NBA or the NFL and reaping the rewards of escalating salaries and guaranteed money.

What is the result of this defection to the other sports?

The long term result is unknown although it is incomprehensible to believe it will be positive. The short term result is a heavyweight showdown between "The Real Deal" and "Lights Out".

The heavyweight division is the driving force behind the sport. As goes the heavyweight division as goes the sport! When there is a lack of appealing matches creativity becomes a necessity. Creativity contributed to the pairing of these two future hall of famers.

In 1994 who would have thought that one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights of 2003 would be between the same Evander Holyfield who had just lost to Michael Moorer and the same James Toney who had just been embarrassed by Roy Jones Jr., in a super middleweight bout.

In 1995 who would have thought that one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights of 2003 would be between the same Evander Holyfield who had just been stopped by Riddick Bowe and the same James Toney who had just been decisioned by light heavyweight Montell Griffin.

At various times from 1996 to 2003 Evander looked shot against Bobby Czyz, was outclassed by Lewis twice, was inconsistent at best against the inferior Ruiz and got pecked by the Byrd.

At various times from 1996 to 2003 Toney was active then inactive then active again, was beaten in a rematch with Griffin and lost to Drake Thadzi, he gained 50, 60 pounds looked sluggish, fought as high as 226 changed trainers, decided to get in shape and reminded everyone of how talented he is when he beat Jirov.

What does it say about the heavyweight division when IBF champion Chris Byrd (who has already defeated Holyfield) can make the first defense of his title and more people are interested in the Holyfield (2-3-2 in his last 7 fights) VS. Toney (biggest heavyweight win is against Richard Mason) showdown?
It says the division is currently in a very sad state. The Lennox Lewis era is concluding. Holyfield and Tyson have deteriorated to the point that they are prime targets for inferior foes. The two most talked about faces to join the picture in recent times, Toney and Roy Jones, have both fought below 160 pounds during their career. Roy Jones can call himself the WBA Heavyweight Champion of the World and Toney hopes to be next.

A victory over Evander Holyfield will be a step in the right direction for James Toney. A victory which, was unfathomable a couple of years back, is now a distinct possibility. A guy who almost ate himself out of the sport may have bulked up to the point he can be a factor in the division.

A division once ruled by giants is now being overwhelmed by the force of two former middleweights. One has captured a piece of the title and the other begins that trek on October 4.

Roy Jones Jr., WBA Heavyweight champion of the world. Can James Toney be next? Saturday night will provide some answers.

Jim Kurtz is host of SportsRap on WMCN TV. SportsRap airs every Monday night from 8:30PM - 9:00PM EST. Talk sports with Jim and Keith LeVan! Call in live: 1-800-211-3462