1980s–2010sAmericanOrthodoxretired
James Toney
“Lights Out”
Record: 77–10–3 (47 KO)Weight classes: Middleweight, Super middleweight, Light heavyweight, Cruiserweight, HeavyweightBorn: 1968-08-24
Titles & honours
- IBF Middleweight Champion (1991)
- IBF Super Middleweight Champion (1993)
- IBF Cruiserweight Champion (2003)
Biography
James Nathaniel Toney, born Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1968, is the most accomplished defensive specialist of the post-Mayweather generation. He won the IBF middleweight title in 1991, the super middleweight title in 1993, and despite ballooning to heavyweight in his late career, captured the IBF cruiserweight title in 2003. His Philly Shell — adopted years before Mayweather popularised it — and his ability to fight inside, outside, and from a tight defensive shell make him the best defensive fighter of his generation alongside Pernell Whitaker. Career marred by drug suspensions; fought until 2017 at age 49.