Boxing fans have long debated the outcome of a fantasy showdown between prime versions of Bernard Hopkins and James Toney.
Whilst the legendary American duo had considerable success during the 1990s, a bout between the pair never did come to fruition, much to the disappointment of the boxing community.
Toney reigned as the IBF world champion at middleweight and super-middleweight throughout the 1990s, defeating the likes of Michael Nunn, Iran Barkley and Mike McCallum before making the move up to 175lbs and beyond.
As for Hopkins, ‘The Executioner’ captured world honours for the first time in 1995 when he became the IBF middleweight champion, a reign that would last an entire decade, although he would eventually become the undisputed champion at 160lbs with a victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2004.
One man who has worked with both fighters in the past is legendary trainer Freddie Roach, and whilst speaking to Boxing Social, he revealed who he would have backed to come out on top had they both met at their peak.
“That’s a very interesting fight, but with that one I’m gonna go with James Toney. I know Bernard, he’s a good guy and all that and sorry to pick Toney but I think Toney just maybe might be too busy for you [Hopkins].”
Roach trained Toney towards the end of the three-weight world champion’s career. Despite their partnership being so short lived, Roach previously claimed that ‘Lights Out’ was the most naturally talented fighter that he ever worked with, admitting that he could have gone on to be the ‘greatest of all time’ had he been more disciplined during his professional career.
