Jirov To Defend Title Against Toney In April

21.02 - Undefeated IBF Cruiserweight champion Vassily Jirov defends his title at Foxwoods Resort Casino April 26 against the ever-dangerous former champion James "Lights Out" Toney.

Foxwoods presents the exciting boxing card in association with DiBella Entertainment, Inc. in its Fox Theatre.

In addition to the main event, the co-feature on the card features former world champion, Montell Griffin, plus additional bouts.

Tickets for the April 26 boxing card at Foxwoods will go on sale in mid-March. Check the Foxwoods box office at 800-200-2882 for ticket information.

In his six years as a pro, Jirov, originally from Kazakhstan, has won 31 consecutive bouts - 27 by knockout. All but nine of his fights have ended before the sixth round. Jirov was the gold medalist in the 178 pound division at the 1996 Olympics.

His challenger is no stranger to big fights. Toney (65-4-2, 42 KOs) has swapped punches with some of boxing's biggest legends, including Iran "The Blade" Barkley, Roy Jones Jr. and Mike McCallum.

In the co-feature, light heavyweight contender Antonio "Southpaw" Tarver (20-1, 17 KOs) meets Griffin (44-3, 29 KOs) for the NABF title. Tarver won the bronze medal at 178 pounds in the 1996 Olympics.

Griffin has mixed it up with some of the toughest fighters, including Toney and he was the first - and only man - to beat Roy Jones Jr.

The boxing card will also be televised as part of HBO's "Boxing After Dark" series.