08/10/2025
📖 James Toney, nicknamed "Lights Out" and also called "The Dark Emperor," is an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee known for his old school fighting style and exceptional defensive skills, particularly the shoulder roll technique taught by veteran trainer Bill Miller. Toney was an outstanding counterpuncher and inside fighter with fast hand speed and respectable punching power. He is one of the sport's most versatile and skilled competitors, winning multiple world championships in three weight classes—middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight. His major titles include the IBF middleweight and lineal middleweight titles from 1991–1993, the IBF super middleweight title from 1993–1994, and the IBF cruiserweight title in 2003, a victory named "Fight of the Year" and earning him "Comeback of the Year" honors. Toney achieved a dramatic upset TKO victory over Michael Nunn in 1991 for his first world title and later campaigned at heavyweight, notably defeating future Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield by TKO in his debut at the division. Toney has been noted for his toughness, having never lost a fight by stoppage in his career. His career also included a one-time appearance in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) where he lost to Randy Couture. He also played the role of Joe Frazier in the movie Ali. His official professional boxing record stands at 77 wins (47 by KO), 10 losses, and 3 draws, with 2 no contests, across a total of 92 professional bouts.👊🥊
