Atlantic City, N.J. September 26, 2023 – The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) proudly announces the roster of special guests attending the 7th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend, held from Friday, September 29th to Sunday, October 1st, 2023, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The guest list features notable boxing figures such as: Roberto Duran, Michael Spinks, James Toney, Vinny Paz, Gerry Cooney, Ray Mercer, Tim Witherspoon, Kelly Pavlik, Lamon Brewster, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Junior Jones, Reggie Johnson, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Eva Jones-Young, John Scully, Michael Olajide, Iran Barkley, Michael Nunn, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Jeff Chandler, Montell Griffin, Yaqui Lopez, Al Cole, Kali Reis, Hector Camacho Jr., Rodney Moore, Kendall Holt, Dave Tiberi, Nate Miller and William Joppy, to name a few.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 29th, with the “Opening Bell” VIP Cocktail Reception from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, followed by the Friday Night Fight Presented by Hard Hitting Promotions at Bally’s Casino Atlantic City. On Saturday, September 30th, the Fight Fan Experience & Boxing Exhibits at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be open from 11:00am – 1:00pm

The highlight of the weekend is the Red-Carpet Formal Awards & Induction Ceremony, taking place on Saturday night inside the Sound Waves Theater. Attendees will enjoy a unique opportunity to mix and mingle with other boxing luminaries and special VIP guests, as well as honor all who helped put Atlantic City on the boxing map. The Pre-VIP Cocktail Reception will begin at 5:00pm, and it leads into the Official Awards & Induction Program from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. After the Awards Ceremony, guests with VIP tickets will have the chance to experience the Post-VIP Reception, which includes a bonus fight watch party for Canelo Alverez vs. Jermell Charlo

The 2023 class members of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame include:

George Foreman, Shannon Briggs, David Tua, Pinklon Thomas, Tracy Harris Patterson, Doug Dewitt, Darroll Wilson, Shamone Alvarez, Jamillia Lawrence, Joe Hand Sr., Matt Howard, Rudy Battle, Benjy Esteves Jr., Arnold Robbins, Joseph Santoliquito, Lee Samuels They will be inducted alongside Posthumously & Pioneers such as Buster Drayton, Marty Feldman, Rocky Castellani, Frankie Polo, Joe Miller, Horace M. Leeds, “KO” Becky O’Neill and Willie O’Neill

For more information on event tickets, room reservations, and weekend schedules, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame website at: www.acbhof.com

The ACBHOF gives a special thanks to their partners and sponsors: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel, Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, Bare Knuckle Fighting Champions, Hard Hitting Promotions, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, The Irish Pub-Atlantic City, Moustakas & Nelson Law, Quail Hill Realty, Gionta Management LLC, T&K Boxing Promotions, Sparbar Boxing LTD, Patrick Killian Arts, Guzman Gloves, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, Icons of Boxing Memorabilia, and Fight Night Apparel

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (December 20, 2021) — Today, the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) announced the honorees for the 2022 6th Annual Induction Ceremony; to be held Friday, October 7, through Sunday, October 9, 2022, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

The 2022 ACBHOF inductees include:

Lennox Lewis, Julio César Chávez, James Toney, Frank Fletcher Dave Tiberi, Chuck Mussachio, Kathy Collins-Globuschutz, Kathy Duva, Pat Lynch, Kevin Rooney Sr., Lynne Carter, Randy Neumann, Dr. Domenic Coletta, Tom Casino, and posthumously: James Broad, Eddie Aliano, and Harold Lederman.

The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Celebration will offer boxing enthusiasts a weekend full of great programming, including a kick-off cocktail reception, meet & greets, and fight fan experience that features spectacular artwork, exhibits, and boxing memorabilia.

The Highlight of the weekend is our red-carpet formal Induction Ceremony which takes place in an award show atmosphere. We will honor and enshrine all who helped make Atlantic City a worldwide boxing Mecca. Guests will enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with special guests, including entertainers, sports icons, government officials, and more. In addition, many of our previous honorees will be in attendance.

For more information, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame website at www.acbhof.com.

A special thanks to our sponsors and supporters: Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, SparBar Inc., Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, FantaSea Resorts, Expressions Graphic Designs, Legends Block, Icons of Boxing, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Adams Boxing, Sampson Boxing, WBC, IBF, Fight Night Apparel and The Claridge Hotel.

On Friday, October 29, legendary three-weight world champion and all-time-great James “Lights Out” Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs) will make a very special return to the ring to face murderous-punching Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams (43-5-1, 35 KOs) in an eight-round exhibition bout that will serve as the main event of “Battle of the KO Kings,” a seven-fight night of free professional boxing, presented by Blue Moon Boxing at the Palenque de la Feria San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and livestreamed on bluemoonentertainment.com, which can be accessed free of charge by signing up to watch.

Although the event is scheduled as an exhibition, both Toney and Williams say they aren’t travelling to Aguascalientes, Mexico to play.

A legendary warrior, 53-year-old Toney, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, held the lineal middleweight championship from 1991 to 1993, the IBF super middleweight title from 1993 to 1994, and won the IBF cruiserweight title in 2003. Toney also challenged twice for a world heavyweight title in 2005 and 2006 and, overall, competed in 15 world title fights spanning four weight classes.

Despite his proven ability to rock much larger opponents with his natural punching power, Toney is best known as a “throwback” defensive and counterpunching specialist, who often preferred to fight off the ropes. Voted Fighter of the Year, both by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America in 1991 and 2003, Toney was named the tenth best middleweight of the last 50 years by The Ring magazine in 2011. An incredibly tough fighter with an unbreakable will, of Toney’s 10 professional defeats, none ended by way of stoppage.

“There’s no such thing as a boxing exhibition,” said Toney in his customarily aggressive manner. “I’m a fighter. I’ll be there to turn the lights out. Evander (Holyfield) thought he was doing an exhibition for fun and he got embarrassed. I don’t play. I’m going to knock his ass out. Call it whatever you want.”

The 49-year-old Williams, one of the most feared heavyweight punchers of the last 30 years, began his career at cruiserweight, but moved up and won the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Championship twice, with two of his 35 knockouts coming, incredibly, before 30 seconds of the first round. Williams was trained in Catskill, New York, by the team (Bill Cayton and Kevin Rooney) that produced former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. He holds a victory over former title challenger “Smokin’ Bert Cooper and fought former world champion Al “Ice” Cole to a draw.

Originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa, as an amateur, Williams was the 1989 and 1990 United States amateur Light Heavyweight, 1989 heavyweight Jr. Olympic, and the 1990 and 1991 National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight champion, and is a member of the Golden Gloves hall of fame. His amateur record was 168–4.

“James Toney is not a true heavyweight and even they can’t take my punches,” said an excited Williams, “I’m a smaller guy with fast hands, he won’t be able to use his smaller size to outmaneuver me. And I punch a lot harder than he does! It’s a matter of time before I catch him with something and finish him for good.”

Todd Lewis, VP of Operations for Blue Moon Boxing, says despite the bravado shown by both warriors, every commission-advised safeguard will be followed in presenting this match-up of ring legends past. And while a stadium full of ticket buyers would be an ideal situation for the fight, the Covid-induced reality is a lot different.

“The commission here is very concerned with the safety of all fighters and they are dictating all the necessary precautions, which will be vigorously followed,” said Lewis. “While we love the idea of seeing these two rivals throw down again, we are not in the business of having a retired fighter take a sustained beating on our air.”

In fact, Lewis says Blue Moon is promoting this fight to gather together lists of fans to market his upcoming ESPN Knockout series of fights to. “Drop us an email at bluemoonentertainment.com and get registered to watch the fight for free,” he continued, “and in the future we will let you know when and where we are doing our next events. It’s that easy.”

Toney vs. Williams will be supported by up to six televised undercard bouts, which will be announced shortly.

INDIO, CALIF. (April 9, 2019): Future Hall of Famer James “Lights Out” Toney will be the special VIP guest for the April 25 edition of Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights, which headlined by the 10-round rematch between super lightweight contender Yves Ulysse Jr. (17-1, 9 KOs) of Montreal, Canada and Steve Claggett (27-5-2, 17 KOs) of Calgary, Canada. The event will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Details for how to watch the fights will be announced shortly

Toney is a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan who captured world titles in the middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight divisions. He also fought for a world title in the heavyweight division. Toney was known for his defensive style and his incredible hand speed. He also fought the likes of Iran “The Blade” Barkley, Roy Jones Jr., Montell “Ice” Griffin, Mike “Bodysnatcher” McCallum, Vassiliy “The Tiger” Jirov, Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield, John “The Quiet Man” Ruiz, and Hasim “The Roch” Rahman in a career that spanned nearly 30 years.Toney will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (18-1-1, 7 KOs) of Tierralta, Colombia, will defend his NABF Bantamweight Title against Joshua “The Professor” Franco (14-1-1, 7 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas in a 10-round rematch between two Golden Boy contenders.

Alexis “Lex” Rocha (12-0, 8 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round fight against Shoki Sakai (23-9-2, 13 KOs) of Amagasaki, Japan.

Marlen Esparza (5-0, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas will return to the ring after almost a year of inactivity in an eight-round battle against Jhosep Vizcaino (8-8, 3 KOs) of Quito, Ecuador for the vacant NABO Flyweight Title.

Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (23-2, 12 KOs), a southpaw contender of Washington, D.C. who has not been in the ring for a year, will make his comeback in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Kevin Ventura (10-0, 8 KOs) of Omaha, Nebraska will face Josh Hernandez (8-2, 7 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois in a six-round lightweight fight.

Raul “Cougar” Curiel (5-0-3 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico will fight in a six-round welterweight clash against Andrew Rodgers (4-6-1, 2 KOs) of Elkhart, Indiana.

Anthony Reyes (4-0, 3 KOs), the hard-hitting native of Coachella, Calif. will return in a four-round super bantamweight battle.

Anthony Garnica (1-0,1 KO) of Oakland, Calif. will participate in the second fight of his career in a four-round featherweight bout.

Opponents for Reed, Ventura, Garnica, and Reyes will be announce shortly.

Ulysse Jr. vs. Claggett II is a 10-round fight for the WBA Gold Super Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management. The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The fights will take place Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Details for how to watch the fights will be announced shortly

Tickets for the event are on sale and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested covering Ulysse Jr. vs. Claggett II must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, April 22, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #UlysseClaggett2, #ThursdayNightFights and #TNF.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/UlysseClaggett2 into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for photos and videos used.

Las Vegas (February 7, 2019) – 12-Time world champion James Toney has confirmed that that he will appear and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the fifth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Toney will make his 4th appearance at this years’ Expo, at the Hannibal Boxing Media booth and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and book copies of Dark Trade, where he is featured on the cover.Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Lights Out”.

About James Toney
Toney is a former IBF middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight world champion. He has been regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters of his era and was unbeaten in his first 46 contests bouts. Toney has fought at the elite level for more than three decades and is a sure first ballot Hall of Famer. Toney holds notable wins over Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, Vassily Jirov,and Evander Holyfield. With over 90 pro fights in his career, not once has he ever been knocked out and no referee has ever had to save him or stop a fight while competing. Toney was also awarded Ring Magazine and Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year 1991 and comeback fighter of the year 2003.

About Hannibal Boxing Media
Hannibal Boxing Media produces the finest boxing books available and is a fast-rising source for first-rate boxing journalism. Hannibal Boxing’s book publishing imprint is Hamilcar Publications. Recent and upcoming book releases include Off The Ropes: The Ron Lyle Story, Dark Trade: Lost in Boxing, and Jacobs Beach: The Mob, The Garden & The Golden Age of Boxing.

At the Box Fan Expo this year, James Toney will be signing copies of this new 1st U.S. edition of Dark Trade, where he is featured on the cover. Also at the Boxing Expo, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Al Bernstein will be signing copies of Off The Ropes, where he contributed a foreword as a moving tribute to Ron Lyle. Learn more about Hannibal Boxing and Hamilcar Publications at www.hannibalboxing.com.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last four Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Andre Ward, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares Maricela Cornejo, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next several months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

For More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Las Vegas (August 17, 2018) – 12-Time world champion James “Lights Out” Toney has confirmed that that he will appear and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the fourth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday September 15, 2018 from 10am to 5pm, during Mexican Independence Day weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated rematch between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Toney will make his 3rd appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and also have merchandise for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this legend at the James Toney Promotions Booth. More info at: https://www.jamestoney.com/

Toney is a former IBF middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight world champion. He has been regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters of his era and was unbeaten in his first 46 contests bouts. Toney has fought at the elite level for more than three decades and is a sure first ballot Hall of Famer. Toney holds notable wins over Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, Vassily Jirov,and Evander Holyfield. With over 90 pro fights in his career, not once has he ever been knocked out and no referee has ever had to save him or stop a fight while competing. Toney was also awarded Ring Magazine and Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year 1991 and comeback fighter of the year 2003.

Toney Joins Mayweather Promotions, WBC, WBA, Thomas Hearns, David Benavidez, José Benavidez, Badou Jack, Mia St.John, Jessie Vargas, Erik Morales and Fernando Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet-and- greet boxing superstars of today, current and former world champions, legends of the sport and other boxing celebrities. Fans can expect to experience various interactions such as autograph and photos sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, pictures with the Ring Card Girls, Live DJ Music, chance to win prizes, purchase merchandise and memorabilia from different booths Exhibitors, “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”. You won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last three Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth,

Contact Us:
Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Rosemont, Illinois – May 8, 2017 – June 23rd, live at Rosemont’s The Dome at the Ballpark, and televised nationally on CBS Sports, Hitz Boxing, in association with Round 3 Productions, continues its long-standing tradition of packed, quality events, as it returns home to where it all began 26 years ago. The promotion’s first ever series, the iconic Ramada Rumble, featured many boxing legends over its twelve year run – boxing icons such as James Toney, Angel Manfredy and others, and once featured the World Title eliminator bout between Antonio Tarver and Reggie Johnson that set the stage for Tarver’s upset win over Roy Jones Jr.

“This event is made possible by the support of the Mayor of Rosemont, Bradley Stephens, and his tremendous staff,” said Bobby Hitz. “They have been instrumental in bringing us back to Rosemont.”

The Rosemont Rumble will feature a new generation of Chicago talent. The card includes an appearance from undefeated Notre Dame grad, and current USBA Light Heavyweight Champion, Mike Lee (19-0, 10KO). Don “Da Bomb” George (25-7-2, 22KO) makes his return, and rounding out the event is a rematch of last year’s clash between Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez vs. Aaron Pryor, Jr. The remaining undercard bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Rosemont has always been a special place for Hitz Boxing,” said Hall of Fame Promoter Bobby Hitz. “I had my first card there, and had a great run with the Ramada Rumble. We’re coming home, bringing the first fights ever to The Dome, and putting together fights with some really special local guys. We’re excited to team up with Round 3 Productions, Mike Lee’s team and CBS Sports. It’s going to be a big night for Chicago area boxing.”

Tickets are priced at $200, 150, 100 and 40, and go on sale this Wednesday, May 9th at www.hitzboxing.com, Doors to The Dome at the Ballpark open at 6:00 p.m., and first bell is at 7:00 p.m. The CBS Sports broadcast begins at 8:00 p.m. local time/9:00 p.m. EST.

By Norm Frauenheim

TUCSON – There was no main event. There was only a reunion.

Roy Jones Jr. and James Toney stole the show — their own show — Friday night, as co-promoters of a card at Casino Del Sol that lost its main event when junior featherweight Hanzel Martinez was hurt Wednesday night in an auto accident.

Jones and Toney, once sworn enemies in a 1994 super- middleweight out called Uncivil War, re-emerged as business partners in what they say is just the beginning.

“We’re going to take over the world, man,’’ said Toney, who made his old rival laugh at his dance steps, jokes and gestures as they stood in the ring, almost arm-in-arm, before each bout televised by the CBS Sports Network. “We’re just starting.’’

More like starting over.

Twenty years ago, the guess was that the two would only meet again in a bitter rematch or an old-fashioned duel. There could only be sequel of the hostility that lingered after Jones’ unanimous decision over Toney in a clash at Las Vegas MGM Grand.

“Nah, nah, nah’’ Toney said. “You gotta get past all of that. Time to grow up.’’

John “Pops” Arthur — Toney’s CEO, advisor, mentor and confidante — said Toney and Jones ran into each other last year at a boxing meet-and-greet.

“James had always wanted a rematch, yeah,’’ Arthur said. “I told him to move on and put his anger aside. I told him to approach Roy like a businessman. When people saw them together, I think they probably thought they’d only agree to rematch.’’

Given their pasts, it would have been a reach to think anything else. Both fighters have continued to fight far beyond their primes, despite calls from fans and media for them to retire.

This time, Arthur said, they shook hands. But not for a remake of some old hostility. This time, it’s all about business, Arthur said.

Arthur foresees a long-term partnership, which would be a lot better for their financials and their brain cells than a rematch ever could be.

“We’ll do a lot more of these, no doubt,’’ Toney said.

With the Martinez-Prosper Ankrah bout off the card because of a concussion and back injury suffered by Martinez during an accident in Tijuana, the show went on with Emmanuel Robles in an eight-rounder against Pipino Cuevas in a junior welterweight bout.

In his first bout since signing with Roy Jones Jr. in early March, Robles (15-0, 4 KOs) made it look easy against an out of-shape Cuevas

Robles floored Cuevas (17-16-1, 15 KOs), winless over his last seven bouts, with a crushing left in the third round. Cuevas got up, but blood poured from his nose. He looked beaten. in the fourth, he would be.

At 25 second of the round, referee Tony Zaino stopped it when Robles landed a series of blows against a defenseless Cuevas.

On The Undercard

Keenan Carbajal (11-2, 6 KOs) wore red-and-white trunks cut in the style of his Hall of Fame relative, junior-flyweight legend Michael Carbajal. Flashed a little bit of his power, too.

Keenan Carbajal, bigger and more confident than ever, delivered a lethal succession of combinations, overwhelming an overmatched Lorenzo Trejo in the second round.

The featherweight bout was scheduled for eight rounds. Carbajal, of Phoenix, could have put Trejo (35-31, 22 KOs), of Mexico, onto the canvas that many times or more, if not for referee Rocky Burke, who ended it at 2:21 of the second and Trejo on the canvas for the third time in the round.

An introduction of Randy Moreno’s power was warning enough for Christopher Turton. Moreno (3-0, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, rocked him, sending Turton stumbling across the canvas midway through the first round of a lightweight bout scheduled for four. A dazed Turton (2-3, 1 KO), of Colony, Tex., took a seat after the first and quit before the second ever began.

Tucson cruiserweight Jesus Santamario’s debut was a knockout, but not exactly the kind of knockout a young fighter envisions for his first pro bout. Edgar Ramirez (3-0, 1 KO), of Mexico City, crushed him with power he had never encountered, bouncing him off the ropes and onto the canvas for a quick knockdown, then finishing him with short right to the back of the head at 1:13 of the first.

Before the CBS telecast, Phoenix super-flyweight Elihu Soto (5-0, 3 KOs) employed precise and painful body blows to score a four-round unanimous decision over Yezber Romero (2-2, 1 KO) of Eugene, Ore.

Las Vegas (July 21, 2015) – James “Lights Out” Toney, a 12-time world champion in five different weight classes, has confirmed that he will appear at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second annual Box Fan Expo, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. The Box Fan Expo will coincide with Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s last fight and Mexican Independence weekend.

Toney is a former IBF middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight world champion. He has been regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters of his era and was unbeaten in his first 46 contests bouts. Toney has fought at the elite level for more than three decades and is a sure first ballot Hall of Famer. Toney holds notable wins over Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, Vassiliy Jirov and Evander Holyfield. With over 90 pro fights in his career, not once has he ever been knocked out and no referee has ever had to save him or stop a fight while competing. Toney was also awarded Ring Magazine and Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year 1991 and comeback fighter of the year 2003.

Toney will share a booth with the ABA (American Boxing Association) and have photos, gloves and merchandise for his fans to enjoy and purchase.

Toney joins Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez , “Showtime” Shawn Porter, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, “Terrible” Terry Norris, Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor, “El Feroz” Fernando Vargas, Ruslan “Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov and Mia St.John among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

This unique fan experience event, which allowed fans to meet and greet boxing legends, past and current champions and other celebrities of the sport, debuted last September. This year the Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once again, allow fans a chance to collect autographs, take photos and purchase merchandise and memorabilia.

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, broadcasting media and other brand companies who wish to participate will have a chance to showcase their products to fans and the whole boxing industry.

Last year’s inaugural Box Fan Expo featured some of the most popular fighters and boxing celebrities in recent history. Fans were treated to visits with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, Martinez, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Mikey Garcia,Toney, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks Terry Norris, Porter, Chris Byrd, Jesse James Leija ,Lamon Brewster, Ray Mercer, Earnie Shavers, St-John, Erislandy Lara, Quillin, Jean Pascal and Austin Trout. Also appearing were current WBC Champion Deontay Wilder, the charismatic Vinny Pazienza, Paul Williams, noted commentator Al Bernstein and trainer Roger Mayweather of Mayweather Promotions.

The roster of attendees for this year’s Box Fan Expo will be announced throughout the next several weeks leading up to the event.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at: http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

View the official promo video of Box Fan Expo here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/video-2/

View Promo Flyer here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/promo-flyer/

View Photos Gallery 2014 here: http://www.boxfanexpo.com/photos/

For anyone in the boxing industry or brand companies who wish to be involved and reserve a booth as an exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

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According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a new boxing series will be televised by Fox Sports Net and it will feature former three division world champion James Toney in the first installment that will take place on February 24th.

The series, called “Fight Night in America,” will generally air on the last Thursday of each month, Cohen told ESPN.com. Some of the early shows will air on tape delay, as was the case with the Dec. 17 debut card Prize Fight-promoted welterweight prospect Jesse Lubash (14-0, 8 KOs) of Pittsburgh.

Toney (72-6-3, 44 KOs) will face Damon Reed (45-14, 32 KOs) on Feb. 24 at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in San Bernardino, Calif., in a heavyweight fight in the main event of the next edition, which will also air on tape delay.

“We are not averse to working with other promoters because we are looking to make this series a real success,” said Empre Sports CEO Greg Cohen, who hopes to develop fighters who can move on to the HBO and Showtime level of fights. “We want to make competitive fights. We are looking to build a brand. It’s good for the sport. The more televised boxing, the better it is for the sport.”

“We’re starting as a monthly show and we hope to grow to be bigger than monthly. Twice a month would be the goal,” Cohen said. “If we will deliver on our end and Fox delivers on its end, this will be a great partnership. We are taking care of the production, but Fox made a very favorable deal with us on the sponsors we brought the to table. It’s a nice situation for both parties.”

A couple of pretty good actors are scheduled for a fight that will match them Saturday night in Boston in a mixed mess of boxing, wrestling, checkers, chess, apples and oranges. I’m not exactly sure what all Randy Couture and James Toney will be doing. I just wish they weren’t doing it.

The Expendables, with a cast that includes Couture in a major role, is a hit, an entertaining few hours of fiction during a long summer when Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. is still just a fantasy. But it would have been a relief if the film turned into reality and Toney-Couture was made expendable long before it ever happened. This is no knock on the movie or Couture or Toney, a former middleweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight champion who was convincing as Joe Frazier in the 2001 film Ali.

In some corners, this so-called fight– Toney the boxer versus Couture the UFC legend — is being portrayed as a final judgment on whether the art in the martial mix is sweeter than anything in boxing’s traditional science. Please, Toney is 42 and Couture is 47. Give the winner an AARP belt or a shot at Evander Holyfield, but don’t take this more seriously than anything you might see in a parking lot after last call.

Other than Toney, everybody thinks Couture wins easily because he has the home-cage advantage. He knows his way around the chain-link fence, unlike Toney, who knows all about clinching, but won’t be able to trash-talk his way out of Couture’s Greco-Roman education. Toney figures to have his feet taken out from under him and find himself flat on his back not long after the circus begins.

So what?

This mismatch of mixed skill has never been known to go far or prove much. On the scale of significance, it belongs right there, alongside Mayweather-versus-Big Show.

Three years ago, former heavyweight Tommy Morrison tried a version of mixed martial arts in a show with rules written to favor his punching power. Against an unknown, Morrison was allowed to wear shoes against his bare-footed opponent in at a casino on Apache land in Northern Arizona. Like Toney, Morrison bragged about how dangerous his punches would be in the four-ounce gloves worn by MMA fighters.

But Morrison never got much of a chance to land the power that made him a dangerous heavyweight. He got shoved around the cage, looking trapped and panicked. He was declared the winner, although it was hard to tell. He needed those shoes to run out of the cage and into a waiting van, never heard from again.

The crowd, MMA partisans, booed Morrison and a show without winners.

Expendable then. Expendable now.
NOTES, ANECDOTES

· Jose Sulaiman, president of the Mexico City-based World Boxing Council, threatened to suspend lightweight Genaro Trazancos and featherweight Adolfo Landeros for fighting last Friday in Tucson in defiance of a declaration that the WBC would not authorize Mexicans to box in Arizona because of the state’s tough new immigration law. Trazancos and Landeros said they were in Arizona only to make a living. If Sulaiman is serious and not just grandstanding, he would pay the fighters the purses that they would forfeit if they didn’t fight in Arizona. The WBC has been taking money in the form of sanction fees out of fighters’ pockets for years.

· Despite Sulaiman’s threats, Don Chargin, last Friday’s promoter at Casino Del Sol, plans to stage another card on Tucson property on Sept 24 or Oct. 1. Despite controversy over the immigration legislation, Chargin says that Arizona will continue to be an important boxing market. He points out that Roger Mtagwa’s dramatic 10th-round stoppage of Tomas Villa in a featherweight bout at Casino Del Sol was a contender for Fight-of-the-Year honors in 2008

One of Boxing most outspoken characters James “Lights Out” Toney 72-6-3(44) took time out from training to speak with us earlier this week. Originally from the tough streets of Grand Rapids, MI, Toney was brought up the hard way first entering the ring as a pro in 1988 now a full 22 years later he’s still plying his trade in the squared circle as he approaches his 42 birthday this August. In that time he won the IBF Middleweight which he defended six times before vacating to move up to Super Middleweight where he won the IBF title and made three defence’s before losing the crown to Roy Jones Jnr in 1994. Though he remained active sometimes fighting at Heavyweight nobody believed Toney would ever win another world title however he got his chance against IBF Cruiserweight champion Vasilliy Jirov 9 years after the Jones fight. Toney rolled back the years and posted one of his best wins ever when he outboxed his younger foe even punctuating the victory with a twelfth round knock down. That win reinvourated him and he made a run up at Heavyweight beating living legend Evander Holyfield and then John Ruiz for the WBA Heavyweight title only to be stripped of it later for taking a banned substance. He ran Hasim Rahman close when they drew in 2006 before losing twice to Samuel Peter. Since then Toney has won 3 with one no contest and hopes to get back in the mix…if he can get a chance that is. Here’s what the straight talking 3 weight world champion had to say.

Hello James, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you last fought in September when you beat Matthew Greer in two rounds. Were you happy with how it went?

James Toney – Oh very happy. I you know I wanted a better opponent, you know what i’m saying. Klitschko’s, Valuev, David Haye, someone of there calibre. But i did what your supposed to do, i beat who was in front of me.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have anything in the works that you can tell us about?

James Toney – We’re trying our best to get everyone in the ring. The Klitschko Brothers, excuse me Klitschko sisters, they keep running from me. David Haye he keeps running from me. I’ll fight anybody place or anytime that’s my moto you know that.

Anson Wainwright – It has been rumoured that you may face Antonio Tarver, what can you tell us what the current situation is with that fight?

James Toney – That was going to happen but Tarver ‘s a chicken like everyone else you know what i’m saying, no balls. Like European fighters haven’t got balls, come fight me they say i’m old well put me out of my misery, don’t go being scared. There all hiding behind there momma’s skirt, there scared to death, there chicken sh1ts! They don’t wanna come fight in the States and if they do they fight soft opponents.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, your trainer & promoter & also where do you regularly train for fights?

James Toney – I’m self managed, my advisor is John Arthur and my wife. I train at 360 that’s my main gym. But i’m going to work with Freddie Roach in the near future.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about how things were for you growing up in Grand Rapids, Ma and how they took you into Boxing?

James Toney – As you know they call Grand Rapids fighters row because all on one street we had the Mayweather family, The Tony Tucker family, Buster Mathis we all live on one street. That’s how i grew up but i left there early.

Anson Wainwright – It’s funny how both you and Floyd Mayweather Jnr come from the same place did your paths ever cross back in those days?

James Toney – We talk, his family we’re cool. Floyd’s doing his thing, i’m doing mine.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us what still motivates you to fight at 41? What are you still hoping to achieve in what is already a Hall of fame career?

James Toney – My motivation is to unify the World Heavyweight Championship. I got one, i been Heavyweight Champion. They didn’t recognise me. The title didn’t make me i made the belt. I want every title there is David Haye, Klitschko sisters they got no balls. If they have balls come see me.

Anson Wainwright – Is there ever a fighter that you would really like to fight that you’ve never be able to so far? Maybe Bernard Hopkins who you were linked with in 2003. How come that never came off?

James Toney – I’m an old school fighter, he’s an old fool! If you look at Bernard Hopkins old school fighters do not run in there with there head and hit and hold. That’s what he does, he’s a coward. Bernard Hopkins is a straight up coward. Antonio Tarver coward, The Klitschko sisters coward, all of them. I pride myself on fighting the best opposition out there.

Anson Wainwright – Your an old school fighter who uses very subtle moves defensively like the shoulder roll and the way you tuck up. Can you tell us a little about how you learnt all those things that have preserved you so well over these years?

James Toney – The shoulder roll came from the 50’s & 60’s the great Jersey Joe Walcott. Well basically i learned it from my first trainer Bill Miller. He trained me as a child. We practiced old school moves all the time until one day it just came off. I can fight in the middle of the ring, i can fight going forward, i can fight going backwards. That’s where i got my skills from watching them guys. Archie Moore, Ray Robinson. All the greats, that was a great era for Boxing. I love my Boxing.

Anson Wainwright – In which fight do you think it all came together and was your best in your career to date?

James Toney – It aint happened yet, it’s coming. In the passed Evander Holyfield because everyone saying i couldn’t beat a real Heavyweight. I beat him real good.

Anson Wainwright – You have fought 14 World Champions in 5 weight classes. Who do you consider the best fighter you ever fought?

James Toney – Mike McCullum.

Anson Wainwright – You’ve been a pro for over 20 years and had 83 fights, what was your proudest moment in Boxing so far and why?

James Toney – Winning my first world title. I was a 20-1 underdog. I shocked the world.

Anson Wainwright – You must of trained with many good young fighters is there one who stands out that you could mention who you think has a big future?

James Toney – I aint noticed any great fighters. There babied to much. I don’t see anyone of my calibre. Manny Pacquiao yeah, i love watching him he trains with Freddie.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do when your not Boxing James?

James Toney – Oh play with my kids. My family is everything to me. I love my family, i cherish it.

Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for your fans?

James Toney – I love you guys. I appreciate you guys. Keep watching my fights. For all the haters keep hating on me and spread hate.

Thanks for your time James, it’s much appreciated.

Anson Wainwright
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