by James Slater: It has been almost one year since James Toney’s last fight. Back on May 24th of last year, Toney looked pretty laboured in winning a ten round split decision over Danny Batchelder. Worse than the sub par showing given by “Lights Out,” however, was the subsequent suspension he received after the fight for testing positive for illegal substances. As fans will recall, this was the second time such a thing happened to Toney.
Given only a six month ban, it was assumed Toney, who had gotten off lightly, would be back in action as soon as he was allowed. James even said as much in a number of interviews. Yet now, with almost twice the time he was banned for having gone by, there is still no sign of James Toney. Does this mean the former middleweight, super-middleweight and cruiserweight champ has quietly retired?
Let’s face it, not all fighters announce their retirement from the sport. Some guys, like Floyd Patterson, for an example, simply stop fighting but say nothing to the public. Maybe James, seeing that he has done all he can in his chosen field, will do likewise. Surely, if he was still interested in boxing we would have heard something by now. Still a big name and with his proud record of never having been stopped intact, Toney is a fighter who could continue to make money from boxing. With his fearless attitude and old-school skills (what’s left of them), “Lights Out” would very possibly still have enough in the tank to beat a number of fringe contender type names at heavyweight.
I for one, felt James would definitely fight again as soon as his suspension was lifted. There was talk a while back of him maybe taking a fight with U.K heavyweight Danny Williams, but nothing came of the rumour. It may be that Toney just cannot stand the thought of training any more. We all know the soon to be 40-year-old was never a guy known for his dedication to conditioning even during his prime years, after all. So maybe James (whose current poundage we can only guess at) has said to hell with it.
If he has indeed retired but chosen not to say anything publicly, Toney can be assured of one thing – his place in history. A certainly for The Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible, James had a genuinely great, star-studded career. Not only does he have proven longevity, incredibly good quality of opposition, three recognised world titles at different weights and a KO by-free record to his name, but “Lights Out” also inspired many a young fighter with his superbly displayed old-school moves.
If his last fight has been fought, then at least James Toney goes out at, or at least near, the top. Which is a far better ending than his becoming a high quality trial horse for up-and-coming talent.
James “Lights Out” Toney – final(?) record, 70-6-3(43).