View source for James Toney

{{Short description|American boxer (born 1968)}}
{{for|the Ghanaian boxer|James Obede Toney}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = James Toney
| image = James Toney.jpg{{!}}border
| caption = Toney in 2011
| birth_name = James Nathaniel Toney
| other_names = {{plainlist|
*Lights Out
*The Dark Emperor
}}
| nationality =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|8|24}}
| birth_place = [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]], U.S.<ref name="boxingscene.com">Dooley, Terence (February 12, 2018). [http://www.boxingscene.com/james-toney-i-knocked-bernard-hopkins-out--125172 "James Toney: I Would Have Knocked Bernard Hopkins Out!"]. BoxingScene. Retrieved February 12, 2018.</ref>
| height = 5 ft 9 in<ref name=jirovtoney>''[[HBO Sports]]'' tale of the tape prior to the [[Vassiliy Jirov]] fight.</ref>
| reach = 74 in<ref name=jirovtoney />
| weight_class = {{plainlist|
*[[Middleweight]]
*[[Super middleweight]]
*[[Light heavyweight]]
*[[Cruiserweight (boxing)|Cruiserweight]]
*[[Heavyweight]]
}}
| stance = Orthodox
| years_active = {{plainlist|
*1988–2017, 2023 (boxing)
*2010 (MMA)
}}
| box_win = 77
| box_kowin = 47
| box_loss = 10
| box_draw = 3
| box_nc = 2
| mma_loss = 1
| mma_subloss = 1
| updated = June 5, 2017
| boxrec = 1437
| sherdog = 60940
}}

'''James Nathaniel Toney''' (born August 24, 1968) is an American former [[professional boxer]] who competed from 1988 to 2017. He held multiple [[triple champion#Boxing|world championships in three weight classes]], including the [[International Boxing Federation]] (IBF) and [[lineal championship|lineal]] [[middleweight]] titles from 1991 to 1993, the IBF [[super middleweight]] title from 1993 to 1994, and the IBF [[cruiserweight (boxing)|cruiserweight]] title in 2003. Toney also challenged twice for a world [[heavyweight]] title in 2005 and 2006, and while he was victorious the first time, his championship was annulled due to a [[doping in sport|failed drug test]] that caused his initial victory to be overturned to a no contest. Overall, he competed in fifteen world title fights across four weight classes.

Stylistically a defensive boxer, Toney utilized the [[shoulder roll]] technique taught to him by veteran trainer Bill Miller, who had once trained heavyweight champion [[Ezzard Charles]]. Toney was an exceptional [[counterpunch (boxing)|counterpuncher]] and inside fighter, who often preferred to fight off the ropes. He possessed fast hand speed and respectable punching power throughout his career and is also noted for his toughness, having never lost any of his 92 professional bouts via [[technical knockout|stoppage]].

In 1991 and 2003, Toney was voted Fighter of the Year by ''[[The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year|The Ring]]'' magazine and the [[Sugar Ray Robinson Award|Boxing Writers Association of America]]. In 2011, ''The Ring'' magazine ranked him as tenth on their list of the "10 best middleweight title holders of the last 50 years."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/169390-10-best-middleweight-titleholders-of-the-last-50-years |title=10: Best middleweight titleholders of the last 50 years |publisher=RingTV |access-date=December 10, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002115759/http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/169390-10-best-middleweight-titleholders-of-the-last-50-years |archive-date=October 2, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> He is also widely considered one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=25 Best Defensive Boxers in History |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/584904-de-fense-floyd-mayweather-jr-25-best-defensive-boxers-in-history |access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 15 Greatest Defensive Boxers of All Time|url=https://thegruelingtruth.com/boxing/top-15-greatest-defensive-boxers-of-all-time/|access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref><ref name="history">{{Cite web |title=The Greatest Defensive Boxers in History |url=https://en.clinch.news/From-Sugar-Ray-Robinson-to-Floyd-Mayweather-The-Greatest-Defensive-Boxers-in-History-t202502040001.html
 |access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Defensive Boxers of All Time Ranked by Skill|url=https://www.thesportster.com/best-defensive-boxers-of-all-time-ranked-by-skill/|access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Eight Great Boxers With the Best Defense|url=https://fayzfitness.co.uk/eight-great-boxers-with-the-best-defence/|access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 10 Greatest Defensive Boxers of All Time|url=https://thegruelingtruth.com/boxing-history/top-10-greatest-defensive-boxers-of-all-time/|access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The 5 Greatest Defensive Boxers of All Time|url=https://evolve-vacation.com/blog/the-5-greatest-defensive-boxers-of-all-time/|access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref>

He has also made a one-time appearance in [[mixed martial arts]], losing to [[Randy Couture]] at [[UFC 118]]. In 2001, Toney played the role of [[Joe Frazier]] in the movie ''[[Ali (2001 film)|Ali]]'' alongside [[Will Smith]]. He is also an inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

==Early life==
Toney was born in [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]], U.S.<ref name="boxingscene.com">Dooley, Terence (February 12, 2018). [http://www.boxingscene.com/james-toney-i-knocked-bernard-hopkins-out--125172 "James Toney: I Would Have Knocked Bernard Hopkins Out!"]. BoxingScene. Retrieved February 12, 2018.</ref> At around age 11, Toney first entered a boxing gym, but did not seriously pursue the sport until graduating high school. Growing up, Toney lived alongside the families of [[Floyd Mayweather Jr.]] and [[Buster Mathis Jr.]], and Toney's father himself (who was absent for Toney's upbringing) was a boxer.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://tss.ib.tv/articles-of-2005/1982-was-james-toney-ever-young|title = Was James Toney Ever Young?|date = 28 April 2005|access-date = 6 November 2018|archive-date = 15 May 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190515050606/http://tss.ib.tv/articles-of-2005/1982-was-james-toney-ever-young|url-status = dead}}</ref> As a teen, Toney was often involved in [[street fighting]] and sold [[crack cocaine]]. Prior to his career in boxing, Toney was also a star [[American football|football]] player; after high school he received scholarship offers from Western Michigan to play quarterback and from Michigan to play as a defensive back. But Toney said, "I wasn't a team player and wasn't good at taking orders. So I went into boxing."<ref name=B/> Toney also lost a significant amount of weight to begin his boxing career, having weighed 205 lbs. Toney was supposedly involved in an altercation with future [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]r [[Deion Sanders]] while at a Michigan training camp.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/james-toney-even-turned-out-neon-deions-lights--15497|title=James Toney Even Turned Out 'Neon' Deion's Lights|date=20 August 2008 }}</ref>

==Amateur career==
Toney had a brief but relatively successful [[amateur boxing|amateur]] career, compiling a record of 33 wins (32 KOs) and 2 losses.<ref>[https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/James_Toney BoxRec]. Retrieved on April 26, 2025.</ref> Toney had his first professional fight on October 26, 1988, beating Stephen Lee by a technical knockout in the second round. As a teenager, Toney was scouted and trained by Gregory Owens, who also was his trainer through the mid-nineties. His moniker of "Lights Out" was also given by either Gregory or his son.<ref>[http://www.boxinginsider.com/biofiles/james-toney/ James Toney]. BoxingInsider.com. Retrieved on June 19, 2014.</ref> In his 7th pro fight, Toney's manager, Johnny "Ace" Smith, was killed. Afterwards, [[Jackie Kallen]] was hired as his manager. Toney also employed the services of legendary Detroit-based trainer Bill Miller. Miller, a former boxer himself who worked in Detroit's famed [[Kronk Gym]] and assisted hall-of-fame trainer [[Emanuel Steward]] at times, is credited with developing Toney's famed "old school" or "throwback" style of fighting.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/17/AR2006031702334.html|title=If Anything, Toney Knows How to Fight}}</ref>

==Professional career==
===Middleweight===
{{main|Michael Nunn vs. James Toney|James Toney vs. Mike McCallum|James Toney vs. Mike McCallum II}}
Toney won the [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] and [[lineal championship|lineal]] [[middleweight]] titles by knocking out [[Michael Nunn]] in eleven rounds in May 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/middle.htm|title=The Lineal Middleweight Champions|publisher=The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia}}</ref> Toney, who entered as a 20-to-1 underdog, was down on all three judges' scorecards, but landed a left hook that put Nunn on the canvas in the eleventh round, and eventually scored a [[technical knockout|stoppage]] victory.<ref>[https://www.si.com/vault/1991/05/20/124227/nunn-out-james-toney-kod-michael-nunn-the-ibf-middleweight-champ-in-nunns-hometown-ballpark Nunn Out]</ref> The win also earned Toney the Ring Magazine Fighter Of The Year award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Ring_Magazine_Fighter_of_the_Year|publisher=[[BoxRec]]|title=Ring Magazine's Fighters Of The Year}}</ref> Toney continued a regular fight program over the next 18 months at middleweight, before outgrowing the division, where he made several successful yet disputed defenses. The most noteworthy was Toney's split decision win over Dave Tiberi in a fight that many experts feel Toney lost. The decision was so controversial that it prompted United States Senator [[William V. Roth Jr.|William Roth]] of Delaware to call for an investigation into possible corruption in the sport.<ref>[http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:5864 James Toney vs. Dave Tiberi – Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia]. [[BoxRec]]. Retrieved on June 19, 2014.</ref> Toney also won a split decision title defense against [[Reggie Johnson (boxer)|Reggie Johnson]] in June 1991, retained his title with a draw against former [[World Boxing Association|WBA]] champ [[Mike McCallum]] in December 1991, and again against McCallum, this time by a majority decision, in December 1992. The McCallum fight would be Toney's last as a middleweight.<ref name=B/>

===Super middleweight===
{{main|Iran Barkley vs. James Toney|James Toney vs. Tony Thornton|James Toney vs. Tim Littles|James Toney vs. Charles Williams}}
On February 13, 1993, Toney challenged [[Iran Barkley]] for the IBF [[super middleweight]] title. After a dominating performance by Toney, the bout was stopped after 9 rounds by Barkley's trainer, [[Eddie Mustafa Muhammad]], due to Barkley suffering severe swelling around both eyes.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[BoxRec]]|url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:6887|title=James Toney vs. Iran Barkley}}</ref>

Toney won five fights throughout 1993, then defeated Tony "The Punching Postman" Thornton in his 1st title defense in October, via a landslide points victory.<ref>{{cite news |title=Toney prevails in 12 round decision |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aCMyAAAAIBAJ&dq=James+Toney+Tony+Thornton&pg=PA11&article_id=6608,4368961 |access-date=2 December 2024 |work=Lawrence Journal-World |agency=Associated Press |date=30 October 1993 |location=Tulsa, Oklahoma}}</ref> In his second defense, Toney beat the 24–0 Tim Littles by a 4th-round KO. During this bout, Toney suffered a bad cut which caused the referee and ringside doctor to intervene before round 4, allowing him one more round to try to end the fight. His next defense was against former IBF Light Heavyweight champion Prince Charles Williams. Despite having a point deducted for hitting Williams after the bell in one round and having his left eye completely swollen shut, Toney knocked Williams out in the 12th and final round. This win paved the way for his fight with undefeated 1988 Olympic silver medalist [[Roy Jones Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[BoxRec]]|url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Fight:8571|title=Toney vs. Williams}}</ref>

====Toney vs. Jones Jr.====
{{Main article|James Toney vs. Roy Jones Jr.}}
Jones won a landslide decision over Toney, an upset at the time, briefly flooring Toney for the first time with a flash knockdown in the 3rd round. Jones used one of his "[[cockfighting]]" [[feint]]s to lure Toney in, and as Toney mocked Jones, Toney got caught with a leaping left hook.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmrn96ZqENE James Toney vs. Roy Jones, Round 3]. [[YouTube]]. Retrieved on June 19, 2014.</ref> After the fight Toney blamed making the weight for his flat performance and the loss of his cherished unbeaten record.{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}} It was his last fight at the weight.

===Light heavyweight===
{{Main article|James Toney vs. Montell Griffin}}
His next fight saw him lose to [[Montell Griffin]] at light heavyweight in February 1995. After then winning a series of fights at light heavyweight, cruiserweight, and even heavyweight, he again faced Montell Griffin in December 1996 and once again lost a close decision. He beat old foe [[Mike McCallum]] in February 1997, but then lost to journeyman Drake Thadzi in his next fight.

===Cruiserweight===
{{main|Vassiliy Jirov vs. James Toney}}
After taking some time off from the ring, Toney came back in 1999, seemingly focused on reclaiming his status as an elite fighter. He defeated former title holders and title contenders [[Adolpho Washington]], [[Steve Little (boxer)|Steve Little]], [[Ramón Garbey]], [[Saul Montana]], Sione Asipeli, Courtney Butler, and Michael Rush. In August 2002, Toney beat Jason Robinson in an IBF Cruiserweight title elimination fight. This set up a fight between Toney and the champion, [[Vassiliy Jirov]]. After a postponement, the fight happened on April 26, 2003. Going into the 12th and final round, with the scores fairly even and the fight in the balance, Toney knocked the undefeated Jirov down in the 12th. The Kazakh rose from the canvas to go to the distance, but Toney got the judges verdict and was now a three-weight World Champion.

For Toney's performance he was awarded comeback of the year and named fighter of the year. The fight itself was named "Fight Of The Year" by [[The Ring (magazine)|''The Ring'' magazine]]. Immediately afterward, Toney moved up to heavyweight, where he campaigned for the next 7 years.

===Heavyweight===
{{Main article|Evander Holyfield vs. James Toney|James Toney vs. Rydell Booker|John Ruiz vs. James Toney|Hasim Rahman vs. James Toney|James Toney vs. Samuel Peter|Samuel Peter vs. James Toney II}}
As far back as Toney's middleweight years, he insisted that he would one day be the heavyweight champion of the world. His October 4, 2003, victory over aging former heavyweight champion [[Evander Holyfield]] was Toney's entry into the heavyweight division. After a shaky first round, Toney picked apart Holyfield with shots to the body and head before stopping him in the 9th round. After the fight Toney declared he was "undestructable", that he "got milk baby" and didn't want any "bad ass questions" from announcer Jim Gray.<ref>{{cite web|work=Complex.com|url=http://www.complex.com/sports/2011/09/the-10-funniest-post-fight-interviews-in-boxing-history/james-toney-ii#/!|title=10 funniest post-fight interviews in boxing history: James Toney}}</ref>

On September 23, 2004, Toney faced off with [[Rydell Booker]]. Although Toney injured his left arm, he was still able to defeat the clearly outmatched Booker, getting a 12-round unanimous decision for the fringe IBA heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite web|work=Thesweetscience.com|url=http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/874-james-toney-punishes-rydell-booker|title=James Toney Punishes Rydell Booker|date=23 September 2004}}</ref>

On April 30, 2005, he defeated [[John Ruiz]] by a unanimous decision in a 12-round match for the [[World Boxing Association]] (WBA) heavyweight Championship. However, Toney failed his post-fight drug test, testing positive for the anabolic steroid [[stanozolol]]. This led to the New York Athletic Commission changing the bout's official outcome to a "no-contest", deducting the win from Toney's career record and banning him from boxing for 90 days. The WBA ordered that Ruiz be reinstated as its champion and that Toney be ineligible for another WBA Heavyweight title shot for two years. Toney defended himself by claiming that the steroids were given to him by a doctor to treat the arm injury he suffered during the Rydell Booker fight.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/12/sports/othersports/12toney.html?_r=0|title=Toney Fails Drug Test and Is Stripped of Title|date = 12 May 2005|last1 = Sandomir|first1 = Richard}}</ref>

In his bout after the Ruiz fight, Toney won a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight contender Dominic Guinn. Toney next fought against [[Hasim Rahman]] on March 18, 2006, for the WBC Heavyweight title. The result was a twelve-round majority draw.

Toney's next two outings were losses to [[Samuel Peter]]. The first fight was held in [[Los Angeles, California]], on September 2, 2006. Toney lost by split decision. The return bout was held in [[Hollywood, Florida]], on January 6, 2007, and Toney once again lost to Peter, this time by unanimous decision. Both fights were [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] eliminator bouts for the belt held by [[Oleg Maskaev]].

Toney's next bout came on December 13, 2008, against [[Fres Oquendo]]. Oquendo was penalized one point in round eight for a rabbit punch, which would prove to be the deciding factor in the fight. Toney won a close, controversial split decision. On September 12, 2009, James fought heavyweight fighter Matthew Greer (12–5–0 11KO) at the Pechanga Resort & Casino.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100103082659/http://fightfan.com/2009/09/he-aint-heavy-hes-a-heavyweight/ James Toney: He ain't heavy; He's a heavyweight!] FightFan News Wire (September 11, 2009)</ref> James won via TKO victory in round two.

On February 24, 2011, Toney made his return to boxing and won a ten-round unanimous decision against Damon Reed. All three judges scored the bout 100–90. For this bout Toney weighed in at a career high of 257&nbsp;lbs.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://cjonline.com/sports/2011-02-25/reed-loses-decision-toney| title=Reed loses decision to Toney | publisher=Topeka Capital Journal| author=Haskin, Kevin| date=February 25, 2011| access-date=February 26, 2011}}</ref>

===Return to cruiserweight===
After stepping back down to Cruiserweight, on November 4, 2011, Toney stepped into the ring at 199&nbsp;lbs, the lowest he has been since 2003 against Russian star Denis Lebedev in Russia for the interim WBA World cruiserweight title. Toney was never competitive throughout the bout after encountering problems with his left knee during round two, and the judges all had it 120–108 for Lebedev. A week after the fight it was revealed Toney needed surgery to repair his knee.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content11162.html| title=Toney to undergo Knee Surgery | publisher=Fight Hype | author=Crawford, Percy| date=November 8, 2011| access-date=November 8, 2011}}</ref>

===Return to heavyweight===
On April 7, 2012, Toney fought Bobby Gunn and won by a fifth round stoppage due to a hand injury sustained by Gunn.<ref>Jake Donovan, [http://www.boxingscene.com/james-toney-stops-bobby-gunn-five-rounds--51538 James Toney Stops Bobby Gunn In Five Rounds]. ''Boxing Scene'', 8 April 2012.</ref> This was recognized as a world title by the [[International Boxing Union (since 1996)|International Boxing Union]], a minor boxing organization.

Toney travelled to Australia in April 2013 to face [[Lucas Browne]] for the WBF heavyweight title. Toney lost the fight by wide unanimous decision. Seven months later on November 14, Toney travelled to [[London]], England to compete in the heavyweight [[Prizefighter Series]] held at the famous [[York Hall]] venue. It was a special UK vs USA tournament with six fighters facing off in three round bouts. In the quarter-final, Toney faced English journeyman Matt Legg, and won by TKO in the third round, advancing to the semi-finals. In the semi-final, he faced fellow American Jason Gavern and lost by majority decision, and was eliminated from the tournament.

Toney's final bout came on May 13, 2017, at the age of 48. He defeated Mike Sheppard by sixth round stoppage; winning the WBF heavyweight title. After a career spanning 29 years and 92 professional bouts, Toney has confirmed he is officially retired.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stumberg |first1=Patrick |title=James Toney (apparently) retires with (apparent) knockout victory |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2017/5/15/15645236/james-toney-apparently-retires-with-apparent-knockout-victory |website=Bad Left Hook |date=15 May 2017 |access-date=9 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Simpson |first1=Bakari |title=James Toney: "If I get 6 or 7 figures, They Ass is Knocked Out" |url=https://3kingsboxing.com/toney-wants-millions-return/ |website=3 Kings Boxing |date=25 May 2020 |access-date=9 March 2021}}</ref>

== Exhibition bout ==
Toney made a comeback to the ring at age 55 on November 11, 2023, when he fought 59-year-old [[Donovan Ruddock]], a former top ranked heavyweight contender, in Kingston, Jamaica. The fight went all six rounds and was scored a draw, with the first two rounds being a standard three minutes, while the later four were shortened to two minutes. Both men were criticized for their lousy athletic appearances and sluggish slow pace, as both were clearly showing their senior age. Nevertheless, the fight went the distance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Austen-Hardy |first=Patrick |date=2023-11-13 |title=Boxing legends with combined age of 114 face off as fans slam 'disturbing' fight |url=https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/boxing/boxing-james-toney-donnovan-ruddock-31423772 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=Daily Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-12 |title=James Toney, Donovan "Razor" Ruddock Box To A Draw In Kingston, Jamaica - Boxing News |url=https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/james-toney-donovan-razor-ruddock-box-to-a-draw-in-kingston-jamaica/270626 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=www.boxing247.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Harry |date=2023-11-14 |title=Boxing fans up in arms after legends with combined age of 114 scrap it out |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/james-toney-razor-ruddock-fight-31434682 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=The Mirror |language=en}}</ref>

==Fighting style==
Toney is well known for his "old school" or "throwback" [[Crab Defense (boxing style)|crab style]] of boxing, which consisted of frequent head movement and [[Crab Defense (boxing style)#Shoulder_roll|shoulder rolls]] to avoid punches, as well as his ability to fight off the ropes using slick upper body movement and in-fighting.<ref name=Y>{{cite web|publisher=BoxRaw|url=https://boxraw.com/blogs/blog/shoulder-roll-masters|title=Shoulder Roll Masters}}</ref><ref name=Z>{{cite web|publisher=BoxRope|url=https://boxrope.com/blogs/boxing/understanding-the-philly-shell-defense-strategic-insights|title=Understanding the Philly Shell Defense}}</ref> As such, he is said to have possessed a very high ring IQ. Although Toney was considered a defensive fighter by many, he still applied pressure to his opponents and usually forced his style against them; in some ways he could be considered a defensive pressure fighter. Because of his experience, defensive skills and extremely durable chin, he was never stopped in his 29-year professional career and was rarely knocked down.<ref name=B>{{cite web|publisher=[[BoxRec]]|url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Human:1437|title=James Toney}}</ref>

==Mixed martial arts career==
Toney was spotted in attendance at [[UFC 108]] on January 2, 2010, which led to talks between him and [[ultimate Fighting Championships|UFC]] President [[Dana White]] regarding fighting in the organization. On March 3, it was confirmed by White that the two had agreed and signed a multi-fight deal with the company, at the age of 42.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4963587| title=Toney signs multifight deal with CCFC| agency=Associated Press| publisher=ESPN| date=March 3, 2010}}</ref>

To help his transition into MMA, Toney was coached by trainer [[Juanito Ibarra]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/18158/trainer-juanito-ibarra-to-coach-ufc-signee-james-toney-in-transition-to-mma.mma| title=Trainer Juanito Ibarra to coach UFC signee James Toney in transition to MMA| publisher=MMA Junkie| author=Marrocco, Steven| date=March 3, 2010| access-date=June 21, 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609032907/http://mmajunkie.com/news/18158/trainer-juanito-ibarra-to-coach-ufc-signee-james-toney-in-transition-to-mma.mma| archive-date=June 9, 2010| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/356402-james-toneys-coach-juanito-ibarra-were-gonna-shock-the-world| title=James Toney's Coach, Juanito Ibarra: "We're Gonna Shock The World"| publisher=Bleacher Report| author=Fontanez, Erik| date=March 4, 2010| access-date=June 21, 2010}}</ref> Toney was later coached by Trevor Sherman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/8/13/1621440/handicapping-james-toneys-chances|title=Handicapping James Toney's Chances Against Jared Mellon at CCFC 6|date=13 August 2010|publisher=Bloody Elbow}}</ref>

===Toney vs. Couture, UFC 118===
His debut fight was against [[Ultimate Fighting Championship#UFC Hall of Fame|UFC Hall of Fame]]r and former UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight champion [[Randy Couture]] at [[UFC 118]] on August 28, 2010.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ccfc.com/index.cfm?fa=EventDetail.home&eid=3376| title=UFC 118: Penn vs Edgar 3| publisher=UFC.com| access-date=June 21, 2010}}</ref> Couture scored a takedown against Toney early in the first round, and went on to submit him with an [[arm-triangle choke]].<ref>{{cite web |last =Greisman |first =David |title =James Toney was destroyed by Randy Couture at UFC 118 |publisher =Turtleface.com |date =August 28, 2010 |url =http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=30460 |access-date =August 29, 2010}}</ref> Toney was subsequently released from his contract with the UFC.<ref>{{cite web |last =Greisman |first =David |title = James Toney Officially Released By UFC |publisher =CagedInsider.com |date =September 9, 2010 |url =http://www.cagedinsider.com/ufc/fighters/james-toney-officially-released-ufc-mma/ |access-date =September 9, 2010}}</ref> The match achieved notoriety, though it drew criticisms of being a [[freak show fight]], among them by UFC President Dana White himself.<ref>{{cite book|title=Fighting Words: In-Depth Interviews with the Biggest Names in Mixed Martial Arts|author1=Mike Straka|date=2011|publisher=Triumph|isbn=9781617495311}}</ref> Toney's purse was around $500,000 opposed to Couture's $250,000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=James Toney vs. Randy Couture, UFC 118 {{!}} MMA Bout |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/68-ufc-118-randy-the-natural-couture-vs-james-lights-out-toney |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>

=== Cancelled bout with Ken Shamrock ===
In the aftermath of his loss and release from the UFC, Toney stated he would "100 Percent" compete in MMA again, saying he would fight regardless if it was not in the UFC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hui |first=Ray |date=2010-12-13 |title=James Toney Says He Will '100 Percent' Fight MMA Again |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/13/james-toney-says-he-will-100-percent-fight-mma-again |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}</ref> He would later be attached to a mix rules venture bout against MMA pioneer and UFC veteran [[Ken Shamrock]] scheduled for November 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toney confirms Shamrock fight, then trashes MMA |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/story/98031.html |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=ESPN.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Al-Shatti |first=Shaun |date=2011-08-08 |title=Ken Shamrock Vs. James Toney Special Rules Match Targeted For November |url=https://mma.sbnation.com/2011/8/8/2351996/ken-shamrock-vs-james-toney-special-rules-match-tabbed-for-november |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=MMA Nation |language=en}}</ref> In October 2011, the event was cancelled and the bout never materialized beyond that.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holland |first=Jesse |date=2011-09-20 |title=James Toney vs Ken Shamrock mixed rules bout canceled; 'Lights Out' headed to Moscow boxing ring |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2011/9/20/2437683/james-toney-vs-ken-shamrock-mixed-rules-bout-canceled-lights-out |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en}}</ref> [[UFC 118]] remains Toney's sole appearance in [[mixed martial arts]].

==Professional boxing record==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=3
|nc=2
|ko-wins=47
|ko-losses=
|dec-wins=29
|dec-losses=10
|dq-wins=1
|dq-losses=
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|92
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|77–10–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|Mike Sheppard
|KO
|6 (12) {{small|0:26}}
|May 13, 2017
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Convocation Center (Eastern Michigan University)|Convocation Center]], [[Ypsilanti, Michigan]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBF (Foundation) heavyweight title}}
|-
|91
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|76–10–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|Charles Ellis
|UD
|10
|Aug 8, 2015
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[The Chase Park Plaza Hotel]], [[St. Louis]], Missouri, U.S.}}
|
|-
|90
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|76–9–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|Jason Gavern
|MD
|3
|Nov 14, 2013
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Prizefighter series#Prizefighter 32: UK vs. USA International Heavyweights|Prizefighter 32: heavyweight semi-final]]}}
|-
|89
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|76–8–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|Matt Legg
|TKO
|3 (3), {{small|1:04}}
|Nov 14, 2013
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[York Hall]], [[London]], England}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Prizefighter series#Prizefighter 32: UK vs. USA International Heavyweights|Prizefighter 32: heavyweight quarter-final]]}}
|-
|88
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|75–8–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|Kenny Lemos
|UD
|8
|Jun 28, 2013
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Sky Ute Casino Resort, [[Ignacio, Colorado]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|87
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|74–8–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Lucas Browne]]
|UD
|12
|Apr 28, 2013
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre|Convention and Exhibition Centre]], [[Melbourne]], Australia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant [[World Boxing Foundation|WBF (Foundation)]] heavyweight title}}
|-
|86
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|74–7–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Bobby Gunn]]
|RTD
|5 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Jul 4, 2012
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Landers Center]], [[Southaven, Mississippi]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[International Boxing Union (since 1996)|IBU]] heavyweight title}}
|-
|85
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|73–7–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Denis Lebedev]]
|UD
|12
|Nov 4, 2011
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Khodynka Arena]], [[Moscow]], Russia}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For WBA [[interim championship|interim]] cruiserweight title}}
|-
|84
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|73–6–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|Damon Reed
|UD
|10
|Feb 24, 2011
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|San Manuel Indian Casino, [[Highland, California]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|83
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|72–6–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|Matthew Greer
|KO
|2 (10), {{small|2:33}}
|Sep 12, 2009
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.}}
|
|-
|82
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|71–6–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Fres Oquendo]]
|SD
|12
|Dec 13, 2008
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Morongo Casino Resort & Spa]], [[Cabazon, California]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant NABO and IBA heavyweight titles}}
|-
|81
|style="background:#DDD"|NC
|{{nowrap|70–6–3 {{small|(2)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Hasim Rahman]]
|TKO
|3 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Jul 16, 2008
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vacant [[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] heavyweight title at stake;<br>Originally TKO win for Toney, later ruled NC after an incorrect referee call}}
|-
|80
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|70–6–3 {{small|(1)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|Danny Batchelder
|SD
|10
|May 24, 2007
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[HP Pavilion at San Jose|HP Pavilion]], [[San Jose, California]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|79
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|69–6–3 {{small|(1)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Samuel Peter]]
|UD
|12
|[[Samuel Peter vs. James Toney II|Jan 6, 2007]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Hard Rock Live]], [[Hollywood, Florida]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For NABF heavyweight title}}
|-
|78
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{nowrap|69–5–3 {{small|(1)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Samuel Peter]]
|SD
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Samuel Peter|Sep 2, 2006]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Staples Center]], Los Angeles, California, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost IBA heavyweight title;<br>For [[list of NABF champions#Heavyweight|NABF heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|77
|{{draw}}Draw
|{{nowrap|69–4–3 {{small|(1)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Hasim Rahman]]
|MD
|12
|[[Hasim Rahman vs. James Toney|Mar 18, 2006]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For [[list of WBC world champions#Heavyweight|WBC heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|76
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{nowrap|69–4–2 {{small|(1)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Dominick Guinn]]
|UD
|12
|Oct 1, 2005
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Reno Events Center|Events Center]], Reno, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBA heavyweight title}}
|-
|75
|style="background:#DDD"|{{abbr|NC|No contest}}
|{{nowrap|68–4–2 {{small|(1)}} }}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[John Ruiz]]
|UD
|12
|[[John Ruiz vs. James Toney|Apr 30, 2005]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Madison Square Garden]], [[New York City]], New York, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[List of WBA world champions#Heavyweight|WBA]] and IBA heavyweight titles at stake;<br>Originally UD win for Toney, later ruled NC after he failed a drug test}}
|-
|74
|{{yes2}}Win
|68–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Rydell Booker]]
|UD
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Rydell Booker|Sep 23, 2004]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] Continental Americas and IBA [[heavyweight]] titles}}
|-
|73
|{{yes2}}Win
|67–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Evander Holyfield]]
|TKO
|9 (12), {{small|1:42}}
|[[Evander Holyfield vs. James Toney|Oct 4, 2003]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Mandalay Bay Events Center]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|
|-
|72
|{{yes2}}Win
|66–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Vassiliy Jirov]]
|UD
|12
|[[Vassiliy Jirov vs. James Toney|Apr 26, 2003]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of IBF world champions#Cruiserweight|IBF cruiserweight title]]}}
|-
|71
|{{yes2}}Win
|65–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Jason Robinson
|KO
|7 (12), {{small|2:47}}
|Aug 18, 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Pechanga Resort & Casino]], [[Temecula, California]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|70
|{{yes2}}Win
|64–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Michael Rush
|TKO
|10 (10), {{small|2:10}}
|May 31, 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Chinook Winds Casino]], [[Lincoln City, Oregon]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|69
|{{yes2}}Win
|63–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Sione Asipeli
|UD
|10
|Mar 22, 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.}}
|
|-
|68
|{{yes2}}Win
|62–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Wesley Martin
|TKO
|3 (10), {{small|1:08}}
|Jul 30, 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Crystal Park Casino, [[Compton, California]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|67
|{{yes2}}Win
|61–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Saúl Montana]]
|TKO
|2 (12), {{small|2:26}}
|Mar 29, 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Cobo Hall]], Detroit, Michigan, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[list of boxing organizations#All List|IBA]] [[super cruiserweight]] title}}
|-
|66
|{{yes2}}Win
|60–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Courtney Butler
|TKO
|3 (10), {{small|1:14}}
|Nov 3, 2000
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Turning Stone Resort Casino]], [[Verona, New York]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|65
|{{yes2}}Win
|59–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Terry McGroom]]
|MD
|10
|Jan 21, 2000
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Alumni Hall (DePaul University)|Alumni Hall]], [[Chicago, Illinois]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|64
|{{yes2}}Win
|58–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Ramón Garbey]]
|UD
|10
|Oct 8, 1999
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Roseland Ballroom, [[Taunton, Massachusetts]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|63
|{{yes2}}Win
|57–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Adolpho Washington]]
|TKO
|10 (10), {{small|0:52}}
|Jul 30, 1999
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.}}
|
|-
|62
|{{yes2}}Win
|56–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Terry Porter
|TKO
|8 (10), {{small|2:09}}
|Mar 7, 1999
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Celebrity Theatre]], [[Phoenix, Arizona]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|61
|{{yes2}}Win
|55–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Steve Little (boxer)|Steve Little]]
|UD
|12
|Jun 14, 1997
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Harrah's Gulf Coast|Grand Casino]], [[Biloxi, Mississippi]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant [[list of IBO world champions#Cruiserweight|IBO cruiserweight title]]}}
|-
|60
|{{no2}}Loss
|54–4–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Drake Thadzi]]
|MD
|12
|May 14, 1997
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant [[list of IBO world champions#Light heavyweight|IBO light heavyweight title]]}}
|-
|59
|{{yes2}}Win
|54–3–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Mike McCallum]]
|UD
|12
|Feb 22, 1997
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Mohegan Sun Arena]], [[Montville, Connecticut]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBU cruiserweight title}}
|-
|58
|{{no2}}Loss
|53–3–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Montell Griffin]]
|UD
|12
|Dec 6, 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Lawlor Events Center]], Reno, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost WBU light heavyweight title}}
|-
|57
|{{yes2}}Win
|53–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Duran Williams]]
|TKO
|9 (12), {{small|2:06}}
|Aug 9, 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Casino Magic Bay St. Louis|Casino Magic]], [[Bay St. Louis, Mississippi]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBU light heavyweight title}}
|-
|56
|{{yes2}}Win
|52–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Charles Oliver
|UD
|10
|Jul 3, 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Station Casino, [[St. Charles, Missouri]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|55
|{{yes2}}Win
|51–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Earl Butler
|TKO
|4 (12), {{small|0:46}}
|May 14, 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBU light heavyweight title}}
|-
|54
|{{yes2}}Win
|50–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Richard Mason
|UD
|10
|Mar 1, 1996
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Fantasy Springs Resort Casino]], [[Indio, California]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|53
|{{yes2}}Win
|49–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Greg Everett
|KO
|2 (12), {{small|2:03}}
|Dec 8, 1995
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Foxwoods Resort Casino]], [[Ledyard, Connecticut]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBU Continental [[cruiserweight (boxing)|cruiserweight]] title}}
|-
|52
|{{yes2}}Win
|48–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Ernest Mateen]]
|{{abbr|DQ|Disqualification}}
|5 (12), {{small|2:59}}
|[[Oscar De La Hoya vs. Genaro Hernández|Sep 9, 1995]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBU light heavyweight title;<br>Mateen disqualified for repeated fouls}}
|-
|51
|{{yes2}}Win
|47–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Freddie Delgado
|TKO
|5 (12), {{small|0:35}}
|Jun 18, 1995
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts]], [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[World Boxing Union|WBU]] light heavyweight title}}
|-
|50
|{{yes2}}Win
|46–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Anthony Hembrick]]
|RTD
|5 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|Apr 30, 1995
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[International Boxing Federation|USBA]] light heavyweight title}}
|-
|49
|{{yes2}}Win
|45–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Karl Willis
|TKO
|8 (10), {{small|1:42}}
|Mar 20, 1995
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|48
|{{no2}}Loss
|44–2–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Montell Griffin]]
|MD
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Montell Griffin|Feb 18, 1995]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For IBF Inter-Continental [[light heavyweight]] title}}
|-
|47
|{{no2}}Loss
|44–1–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Roy Jones Jr.]]
|UD
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Roy Jones Jr.|Nov 18, 1994]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|46
|{{yes2}}Win
|44–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Charles Williams (boxer)|Charles Williams]]
|KO
|12 (12), {{small|2:45}}
|[[James Toney vs. Charles Williams|Jul 29, 1994]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[MGM Grand Garden Arena]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|45
|{{yes2}}Win
|43–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Vinson Durham
|UD
|10
|May 18, 1994
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Hyatt Regency [[O'Hare International Airport|O'Hare]], [[Rosemont, Illinois]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|44
|{{yes2}}Win
|42–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Tim Littles]]
|TKO
|4 (12), {{small|1:03}}
|[[James Toney vs. Tim Littles|Mar 5, 1994]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Grand Olympic Auditorium]], [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|43
|{{yes2}}Win
|41–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Anthony Hembrick]]
|TKO
|7 (10), {{small|0:47}}
|Jan 16, 1994
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, U.S.}}
|
|-
|42
|{{yes2}}Win
|40–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Tony Thornton]]
|UD
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Tony Thornton|Oct 29, 1993]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Cox Business Center|Civic Center]], [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF super middleweight title}}
|-
|41
|{{yes2}}Win
|39–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Larry Prather
|UD
|10
|Aug 24, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|40
|{{yes2}}Win
|38–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Danny Garcia
|RTD
|6 (10), {{small|3:00}}
|Jul 29, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, U.S.}}
|
|-
|39
|{{yes2}}Win
|37–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Glenn Thomas
|UD
|10
|Jun 6, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[The Aladdin]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|
|-
|38
|{{yes2}}Win
|36–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Ricky Thomas
|TKO
|10 (10), {{small|0:51}}
|Apr 17, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Fernwood Resort, [[Bushkill, Pennsylvania]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|37
|{{yes2}}Win
|35–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Govoner Chavers
|TKO
|9 (10), {{small|1:54}}
|Mar 23, 1993
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|36
|{{yes2}}Win
|34–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Iran Barkley]]
|RTD
|9 (12), {{small|3:00}}
|[[Iran Barkley vs. James Toney|Feb 13, 1993]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Caesars Palace]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of IBF world champions#Super middleweight|IBF super middleweight title]]}}
|-
|35
|{{yes2}}Win
|33–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Doug DeWitt]]
|{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}}
|6 (10), {{small|3:00}}
|Dec 5, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|34
|{{yes2}}Win
|32–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Mike McCallum]]
|{{abbr|MD|Majority decision}}
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Mike McCallum II|Aug 29, 1992]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Reno-Sparks Convention Center|Convention Center]], [[Reno, Nevada]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF middleweight title}}
|-
|33
|{{yes2}}Win
|31–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Ricky Stackhouse
|TKO
|3 (10)
|May 26, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|32
|{{yes2}}Win
|30–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Glenn Wolfe
|UD
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Glenn Wolfe|Apr 11, 1992]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Thomas & Mack Center]], Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF middleweight title}}
|-
|31
|{{yes2}}Win
|29–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|Dave Tiberi
|SD
|12
|Feb 8, 1992
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF middleweight title}}
|-
|30
|{{draw}}Draw
|28–0–2
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Mike McCallum]]
|{{abbr|SD|Split draw}}
|12
|[[James Toney vs. Mike McCallum|Dec 13, 1991]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Boardwalk Hall|Convention Hall]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF middleweight title}}
|-
|29
|{{yes2}}Win
|28–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Francesco Dell'Aquila
|TKO
|4 (12), {{small|0:43}}
|Oct 12, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Stade Louis II]], [[Monte Carlo]], Monaco}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF middleweight title}}
|-
|28
|{{yes2}}Win
|27–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Reggie Johnson (boxer)|Reggie Johnson]]
|SD
|12
|Jun 29, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Las Vegas Hilton]], [[Winchester, Nevada]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF middleweight title}}
|-
|27
|{{yes2}}Win
|26–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Michael Nunn]]
|TKO
|11 (12), {{small|2:14}}
|[[Michael Nunn vs. James Toney|May 10, 1991]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[John O'Donnell Stadium]], [[Davenport, Iowa]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of IBF world champions#Middleweight|IBF middleweight title]]}}
|-
|26
|{{yes2}}Win
|25–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Alberto Gonzalez
|TKO
|5 (10), {{small|2:00}}
|Mar 31, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Sands Hotel and Casino]], [[Paradise, Nevada]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|25
|{{yes2}}Win
|24–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Merqui Sosa
|SD
|12
|Jan 13, 1991
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Etess Arena]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBC middleweight title}}
|-
|24
|{{yes2}}Win
|23–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Carlos Silva
|TKO
|5 (10), {{small|1:29}}
|Dec 10, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|23
|{{yes2}}Win
|22–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Sanderline Williams
|UD
|10
|Oct 16, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Hyatt Regency, [[Tampa, Florida]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|22
|{{yes2}}Win
|21–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Kevin Brazier
|TKO
|2 (10)
|Aug 24, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Hyatt Regency, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|21
|{{draw}}Draw
|20–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|Sanderline Williams
|{{abbr|MD|Majority draw}}
|10
|Jul 26, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|20
|{{yes2}}Win
|20–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Ricardo Bryant
|TKO
|4 (12), {{small|2:19}}
|Jun 27, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Edward Village Michigan Hotel|Hyatt Regency]], [[Dearborn, Michigan]], U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[International Boxing Council|IBC]] [[middleweight]] title}}
|-
|19
|{{yes2}}Win
|19–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Horacio Rene Brandan
|KO
|2 (10), {{small|2:06}}
|May 23, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|18
|{{yes2}}Win
|18–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Jose Luis Esteven
|TKO
|5 (10), {{small|1:25}}
|Apr 27, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|17–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Toby Tyler
|TKO
|5 (6), {{small|1:57}}
|Apr 5, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|16–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Philip Morefield
|KO
|1 (10), {{small|1:10}}
|Mar 1, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant Michigan [[middleweight]] title}}
|-
|15
|{{yes2}}Win
|15–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Danny Thomas
|UD
|8
|Jan 20, 1990
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|- 
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|14–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Joe Johnson
|TKO
|4 {{small|1:45}}
|Nov 29, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Ron Amundsen
|UD
|10
|Nov 13, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Central Park Athletic Club, [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Robert Clinton
|KO
|1
|Oct 26, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Resorts Casino Hotel|International Hotel & Resorts]], Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.}}
|
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Ricardo Simpson
|KO
|2
|Oct 12, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Joe Summers
|TKO
|2
|Sep 21, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|9
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Lemark Davis
|UD
|6
|Sep 7, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[The Palace of Auburn Hills|The Palace]], [[Auburn Hills, Michigan]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|8
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Mark Stephens
|TKO
|2 (4)
|Jul 20, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Detroit Boat Club|Boat Club]], [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|7
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Steve Chaney
|KO
|1 (4)
|Jun 6, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.}}
|
|-
|6
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Arthur Willis
|{{abbr|SD|Split decision}}
|4
|May 2, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.}}
|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|style="text-align:left;"|James Fernandez
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}
|4
|Feb 16, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Premier Center, Sterling Heights, Michigan, U.S.}}
|
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Sammy Jenkins
|TKO
|4 (4)
|Jan 17, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Premier Center, [[Sterling Heights, Michigan]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Carl Penn
|KO
|1 (4)
|Jan 10, 1989
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.}}
|
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Ronnie Yoe
|{{abbr|KO|Knockout}}
|1 (4)
|Dec 6, 1988
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[The New Daisy Theatre]], [[Memphis, Tennessee]], U.S.}}
|
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|style="text-align:left;"|Stephen Lee
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}}
|2 (4)
|Oct 26, 1988
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Thomas Crystal Gardens, [[Mount Clemens, Michigan]], U.S.}}
|
|}

== Exhibition boxing record==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=1
|nonscore=
|ko-wins=
|ko-losses=
|dec-wins=
|dec-losses=
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|1
|{{draw}}Draw
|0–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Donovan Ruddock]]
|PTS
|6
|Nov 11, 2023
|style="text-align:left;"| {{small|National Indoor Sports Centre, [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]], Jamaica}}
|
|}

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws      = 
| nc         = 
| ko-wins    = 
| ko-losses  =   
| sub-wins   = 
| sub-losses = 1
| dec-wins   =
| dec-losses = 
| dq-wins    =
| dq-losses  =
| other-wins =
| other-losses =
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|0–1
|[[Randy Couture]]
|Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|[[UFC 118]]
|{{dts|2010|August|28|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:19
|[[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], United States
|
|-
{{end}}

==Titles in boxing==
===Major world titles===
* [[list of IBF world champions#Middleweight|IBF middleweight champion]] (160&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of IBF world champions#Super middleweight|IBF super middleweight champion]] (168&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of IBF world champions#Cruiserweight|IBF cruiserweight champion]] (200&nbsp;lbs)

===Minor world titles===
* [[list of boxing organizations#All List|IBC]] [[middleweight]] champion (160&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of WBU world champions#Light-Heavyweight|WBU light heavyweight champion]] (175&nbsp;lbs) (2×)
* [[list of WBU world champions#Cruiserweight|WBU cruiserweight champion]] (200&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of IBO world champions#Cruiserweight|IBO cruiserweight champion]] (200&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of boxing organizations#All List|IBA]] [[super cruiserweight]] champion (210&nbsp;lbs)
* IBA [[heavyweight]] champion (200+&nbsp;lbs) (2×)
* [[International Boxing Union (since 1996)|IBU]] heavyweight champion (200+&nbsp;lbs)
* [[list of boxing organizations#All List|WBF (Foundation)]] heavyweight champion (200+&nbsp;lbs)

===Regional/International titles===
* [[Michigan]] middleweight champion (160&nbsp;lbs)
* [[International Boxing Federation#History|USBA]] [[light heavyweight]] champion (175&nbsp;lbs)
* [[World Boxing Union|WBU]] Continental [[Cruiserweight (boxing)|cruiserweight]] champion (200&nbsp;lbs)
* [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] Continental Americas heavyweight champion (200+&nbsp;lbs)
* [[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] heavyweight champion (200+&nbsp;lbs)

==See also==
*[[List of boxing triple champions]]
*[[List of middleweight boxing champions]]
*[[List of super middleweight boxing champions]]
*[[List of cruiserweight boxing champions]]
*[[List of IBF world champions]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{Boxrec|id=001437}}
*[http://boxing.about.com/od/records/a/toney.htm James Toney] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704070658/http://boxing.about.com/od/records/a/toney.htm |date=2008-07-04 }} at [[About.com]]
*[http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/toney-j.htm James Toney] at Cyber Boxing Zone
*{{Sherdog|id=60940}}
* {{UFC|james-toney}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20161227201231/http://fightfan.com/2010/08/inside-james-toneys-training-camp-2/#more-334 Inside James Toney's training camp] at FightFan
*{{IMDb name|0867199}}

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sports}} }}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Dwight Davison}}
{{s-ttl|title=Michigan [[middleweight]] champion
|years=March 1, 1990 – April 1990<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Joe Stevenson}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Saúl Montana]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[World Boxing Council|WBC]] Continental Americas<br>[[heavyweight]] champion
|years=September 23, 2004 – December 2004<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Michael Moorer]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Derric Rossy]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[North American Boxing Organization|NABO]] heavyweight champion
|years=December 13, 2008 – August 2009<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Brian Minto]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Anthony Hembrick]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States Boxing Association|USBA]] [[light heavyweight]] champion
|years=April 30, 1995 – February 1997<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[William Guthrie (boxer)|William Guthrie]]}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Minor world boxing titles}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-non|rows=2|reason=Inaugural champion}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[International Boxing Council|IBC]] middleweight champion
|years=June 27, 1990 – March 1991<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Danny Garcia}}<!--Do not link to the boxer born in 1988.-->
{{s-break}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[World Boxing Union|WBU]] light heavyweight champion
|years=June 18, 1995 – December 6, 1996}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Montell Griffin]]}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Thomas Hearns]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=WBU [[cruiserweight (boxing)|cruiserweight]] champion
|years=February 22, 1997 – May 1997<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Don Diego Poeder}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=Booker T Word}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[list of IBO world champions#Cruiserweight|IBO cruiserweight champion]]
|years=June 14, 1997 – May 1998<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Robert Daniels (boxer)|Robert Daniels]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Lou Savarese]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=IBA heavyweight champion
|years=September 23, 2004 – September 2, 2006}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Samuel Peter]]}}
{{s-vac|last=Samuel Peter}}
{{s-ttl|title=IBA heavyweight champion
|years=December 13, 2008 – November 2017<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|rows=2|next=}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Gene Pukall]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[International Boxing Union (since 1996)|IBU]] heavyweight champion
|years=April 7, 2012 – November 2017<br>Vacated}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-vac|last=[[Peter Graham (fighter)|Peter Graham]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[World Boxing Foundation|WBF (Foundation)]]<br>heavyweight champion
|years=May 13, 2017 – November 2017<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=Jesus Escalera}}
{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Major world boxing titles}}
{{s-bef|rows=1|before=[[Michael Nunn]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBF world champions#Middleweight|IBF middleweight champion]]
|years=[[Michael Nunn vs. James Toney|May 10, 1991]] – February 15, 1993<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Roy Jones Jr.]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Iran Barkley]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBF world champions#Super middleweight|IBF super middleweight champion]]
|years=February 13, 1993 – [[James Toney vs. Roy Jones Jr.|November 18, 1994]]}}
{{s-aft|after=Roy Jones Jr.}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Vassiliy Jirov]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of IBF world champions#Cruiserweight|IBF cruiserweight champion]]
|years=April 26, 2003 – February 11, 2004<br>Vacated}}
{{s-vac|next=[[Kelvin Davis (boxer)|Kelvin Davis]]}}
{{s-ach|aw}}
{{s-before|before=[[Julio César Chávez]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year#1990s|''The Ring'' Fighter of the Year]]
|years=1991}}
{{s-after|rows=2|after=[[Riddick Bowe]]}}
{{s-before|before=[[Evander Holyfield]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Sugar Ray Robinson Award#1990s|BWAA Fighter of the Year]]
|years=1991}}
{{s-before|rows=2|before=[[Vernon Forrest]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year#2000s|''The Ring'' Fighter of the Year]]
|years=2003}}
{{s-after|rows=2|after=[[Glen Johnson (boxer)|Glen Johnson]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Sugar Ray Robinson Award#2000s|BWAA Fighter of the Year]]
|years=2003}}
{{s-before|before={{nowrap|[[Micky Ward]] vs.}}<br>[[Arturo Gatti]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[The Ring magazine Fight of the Year#2000s|''The Ring'' Fight of the Year]]<br>{{small|vs. Vassiliy Jirov}}
|years=2003}}
{{s-after|after=[[Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera III|Marco Antonio Barrera vs.<br>Erik Morales III]]}}
{{s-before|before=Arturo Gatti}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[The Ring magazine Comeback of the Year#2000s|''The Ring'' Comeback of the Year]]
|years=2003}}
{{s-after|after=Marco Antonio Barrera}}
{{s-end}}

{{James Toney}}
{{Ring magazine Fighter of the Year}}
{{Sugar Ray Robinson Award}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Toney, James}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American boxers]]
[[Category:Boxers from Michigan]]
[[Category:Light-heavyweight boxers]]
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[[Category:African-American mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Michigan]]
[[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing]]
[[Category:American sportspeople in doping cases]]
[[Category:Doping cases in boxing]]
[[Category:International Boxing Federation champions]]
[[Category:American male boxers]]
[[Category:World middleweight boxing champions]]
[[Category:World super-middleweight boxing champions]]
[[Category:World cruiserweight boxing champions]]
[[Category:Prizefighter contestants]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Ann Arbor, Michigan]]
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[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees]]
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[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]