James Toney, a certified fan of Ring Magazine featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao is the new World Boxing Association heavyweight champion after he whipped a mediocre John Ruiz at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden yesterday. Toney, who always referred to Pacquiao as “champ,” proved he was a champion in his own right by winning his fourth world title in a lopsided decision, 116-111, 116-111 and 115-112. The new champion cheered the Filipino on during his workouts at the Wild Card Gym in preparation for the showdown with Erik “El Terrible” Morales. Toney was credited with the only knockdown of the fight when he charged out of his corner in Round 7 although TV replays showed Toney had stepped on Ruiz’ foot. With his victory over Ruiz, Toney became the third middleweight champion along with Roy Jones Jr. and Bob Fitzsimmons to capture a version of the world heavyweight crown. Toney had taken the measure of Ruiz by Round 8 and at the end of the 10th round, went toe-to-toe with the bigger Ruiz. With the fans clearly on his side, Toney caught Ruiz with some big right hands in the 11th round but couldn’t put him away. Ruiz, knowing he could only save his title with a knockout, went after Toney in the final round but looked exhausted when it was over.
