James Toney vs. Joe Calzaghe at 168 prime for prime

[RobotBoy]

True that Toney wasn't the fastest guy and did struggle a bit with slick boxers who used a lot of movement. But he had heavy hands and was very disciplined - always paid attention to the body and stayed patient. Nunn tried to keep away from Toney from about the 6th but it was too late - Toney had taken away his legs. It's harder to dance your way to a decision than it looks, especially prime Toney who was very good at cutting off the ring.
Toney's biggest enemy wasn't other fighters, it was the buffet table. He couldn't stop eating and then had to melt the weight off the week before the fight, which really drained him. He may have gotten a few gift decisions but he also got robbed. I thought he won the Griffith fights easily but he was being punished for dumping his manager. One judge had Griffith winning the first fight ten rounds to two which was so blatant a fix you have to think they wanted Toney to know. Toney hurt Griffith in that fight on numerous occasions while Griffith did nothing to Toney.
A great defensive fighter who used the shoulder roll style better than any modern fighter. Watching him counterpunch is a clinic.

[ClivePatrickLyons]

Toney wins a near shutout.

[Onetimeonly]

I'd take Joe, toney could be outworked and struggled with southpaws

[cfang]

Calzaghe wins this on points.

[chrisjs1985]

Two of my favorites. Calzaghe plays paper to Toney's rock. Joe wasn't getting KO'd, Toney would land the best shots but it's difficult to see Calzaghe's volume, engine and underrated adaptability/IQ not winning 7 rounds.

[jas80s]

I really like James Toney's chances in this match up if he was in shape and focused on the fight...

But, as we all know, that's a huge if...

In a fight that is this close, little things could be very important. Such as, where the fight takes place and how the referee chooses to let the fight play out.

[keithmoonhangover]

How was Toney in prime at 168? He took 9 rounds to beat Barkley after Benn took 1.

[chrisjs1985]

How was Toney in prime at 168? He took 9 rounds to beat Barkley after Benn took 1.

Emile Griffith was KO'd in 1 by Rubin Carter but went on to beat Rodriguez, Harris, Benvenuti, Tiger, Lopez, Briscoe etc;

It's never as simple as that.

[keithmoonhangover]

Emile Griffith was KO'd in 1 by Rubin Carter but went on to beat Rodriguez, Harris, Benvenuti, Tiger, Lopez, Briscoe etc;

It's never as simple as that.

What did Toney do at 168 to be classed as in his prime?

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

Great, great matchup

Id make joe the slight favorite due to foot speed and his awkwardness from the outside. I think hed give toney fits....

But if ancient hopkins and jones could drop him, prime toney could put his lights out...

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

How was Toney in prime at 168? He took 9 rounds to beat Barkley after Benn took 1.

So by your logic...... cano is better than lomachenko?

[DrDuke]

How was Toney in prime at 168? He took 9 rounds to beat Barkley after Benn took 1.

Styles make fights.