James Toney is one of the most respected fighters of the last four decades.
A three division world champion, Toney rose to stardom during the 1990’s where he racked up victories over Michael Nunn, Iran Barkley and Mike McCallum.
It wasn’t until his 47th career outing in 1994 when he was defeated for the first time, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Roy Jones Jr who dethroned him of his IBF world super-middleweight title.
‘Lights Out’ would eventually make the move up to heavyweight, where he would defeat John Ruiz for the WBA crown in 2005, although this result would later be overturned after Toney failed a drugs test.
He challenged again for the world heavyweight championship a year later but would fight to a split decision draw against WBC champion Hasim Rahman.
Speaking to ESNEWS, Toney claimed that he would welcome all challengers if he was to make a shock return to the sport, despite not lacing the gloves up for eight years.
“I can fight right now, I ain’t bullsh*****g you, I can fight in this era right now, it’s too easy, like stealing money”
Toney’s last outing came in 2017 when he stopped countryman Mike Sheppard in the sixth round of their heavyweight bout at the Convocation Center in Michigan.
The 56-year-old has expressed an interest in facing YouTube star turned professional fighter Jake Paul in recent months, although it remains to be seen whether a fight between the pair will ever come to fruition.
Paul makes his return to the ring against Julio Cesar Chavez at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday June 28.
