By Lewis Croft: Multi weight world champion, James ‘Lights Out’ Toney (72-6-3, 44 KO’s) defends his lightly regarded IBA Heavyweight title against ‘Dangerous’ Damon Reed (45-14, 32 KO’s) on February 24th at the San Manuel Indian Casino in California.

In a career that has span over 20 years and capturing many titles along the way, now would be the time that the ‘self proclaimed’ heavyweight champion of the world hangs up his gloves. At the age of 42 there is not much more Toney can do in his boxing career. Despite calling out all the heavyweight champions and bad mouthing them, the chances of another shot at a world title shot is as likely as Sugar Ray Leonard coming out of another retirement.

It is not for me to judge and say he should not fight but I would question those who grant him a license and sanction the fight. The same applies to Evander Holyfield (43-10-2, 28), It must be hard for a fighter to finally let go and say ‘enough is enough’ but boxing is a dangerous sport in, which serious injury or death can occur at any moment. Over time, the brutal nature of the sport will likely take its toll on any fighter and could result in lasting damage. Toney’s speech has become increasingly slurred over recent years, a sign of the damage already being done.

After talking his way into a contract at UFC to meet Mixed Martial Arts legend Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture in a bout billed as ‘Boxing v MMA’ this seemed like it would be Toney’s last bout. The outcome was no surprise and Couture had no intention of tasting Toney’s blows so he took it to the ground and the rest is history.

James Toney’s natural talent made him one of the best technical boxers the sport has seen. Legendary trainer, Freddie Roach echoed this view and has said that technically he is one of the greatest fighters he has seen. Toney’s biggest battle has been with the scales. At times ‘Lights out’ has lacked the discipline needed by a top class athlete to stay in shape and train hard. Weight has always been an issue for Toney. He found it increasing difficult to make the middleweight limit. After outpointing Mike McCallum (49-5-1, 36 KO’s), Toney immediately vacated his title and began his quest at super middleweight. From then on he moved up the weight classes to weigh at a career high (237 lb) against former champion Hasim Rahman (49-7-2, 40 KO’s).

I dont know to much about Damon Reed other than he was stopped by the heavy handed, Hasim Rahman last out in August. His record seems modest but has a fairly high knockout percentage in the fights that he has won. One thing I know is that Toney will come to fight, whether in shape or not. It wont be the most exciting fight of Toney’s career but nevertheless will end with ‘Lights out’ victorious.