BoxRec

Isn't amazing how we've got Roy Jones, now well into the twilight of his career and a seriously faded force, is a fighter we worry for when he steps into the ring.

Meanwhile, we've jive-talking James Toney about to fight and probably maul Hasim Rahman.

Who could have predicted that when the two fighters met in 1994?

Suppose it's down to their styles. Toney the versatile box-puncher who like Roberto Duran, just looks like he is meant to be between the ropes. A guy who can stand in front of a guy and turn his head at the right moment, block, parry and ride with the punches. A schooled style that preserves a fighter's career.

Then there's quick-silver Jones, now unable to reach the kinds of heights we saw back in the mid-90s... reflexes dulled, his body ravaged forever by bulking up to fight Ruiz and coming down in weight for the Tarver fights.

Who would dream Toney after his years in the wilderness, would be on his way to winning the WBC heavyweight title while we have Jones tottering about on wobbly legs after a shot tot he temple?

Never amazes me how things work out in this sport.

Foreman and Ali for example. Imagine telling someone just after Zaire what would be both their situations in the 1990's. Bizzare.

Says something about being a schooled fighter, rather than an outrageously talented one like Ali and Jones were.

Archie Moore famously let go of Ali after he wouldn't listen to him or his training techniques. For example, Moore wanted Ali to learn how to plant his feet and punch and block punches but Ali just wanted to dance and fight like Sugar Ray Robinson.

Imagine if he'd aligned all his natural ability with solid basics. He might not have had to take half the punches he did later on in his career. Would have been even tougher.

However, it's down to the individual and how they go about their business I suppose.

That's why Mayweather and Sugar Ray Leonard are special cases. Outrageously naturally gifted physically, tremendous talent, reflexes, and athletic ability, but also fantastically well schooled fighters, with solid technical fundamentals.

Once in a generation stuff.

Absolutely incredible. As in the cases you refer to (Foreman & Toney post Ali & RJJ) boxing throws up situations that no other sport could.

If someone had told you in 1974 after Ali had humbled Foreman that in 25 years(ish) time the beaten George would be contesting the linear championship whilst the victor was in poor health, well you wouldn't have even been laughed at... I really don't know what peoples reactions would have been... And yes the same goes for Toney, now slugging it out at the top of the Heavyweight division having been seemingly in decline 10 years prevous.

I do think with boxers there is also the possiblity that they aren't always performing to 100%. A 100m runner for example at the age of 25/26 is about as good as he's going to get and bar a few exceptions it's downhill from there on in.

With boxers however you have Toney around the time of the Jones fight who probably wasn't giving it his all in training etc... You've also got the weight thing, some don't find their optimal weight. All contributes to the fascinating sport we all love...