“THE REAL LIGHTS OUT TRANSCRIPT!”
Wednesday afternoon Boxingtalk was on hand for a conference call with future hall of famer James Toney 72-6-3 (44), who will be taking on battle tested Damon Reed 45-13 (32) February 24th at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in San Bernardino, CA, in Toney?s return to boxing. Here are the questions asked by Boxingtalk and quotes from the fighters and promoter, enjoy.
Boxingtalk At this stage in your life, why continue in boxing? What is left to do?
James Toney All the so-called boxing experts haven?t given me my respect yet. When I first turned pro at 157 lbs, I told everybody I would be heavyweight champion of the world one day. I?ve done that twice. I?m a heavyweight champion now, but I want to unify the division. I want the Klitschko sisters. I want David Haye. I want to be the man and then I?ll bow out gracefully. Until then I?ll keep doing what I?m doing. My skills keep getting better. Everybody talks about the Klitschko’s are great. People who know boxing for real know they?re garbage. David Haye is garbage. I?ve got the best skills in the game. Nobody can touch me. You know why the heavyweight division is so terrible? Because all these supposed world champions are cowards. They let these Klitschko?s fight nobody over there. I?ve been chasing them for seven years. Even now they won?t fight me. I?m just going to keep defending my belt and knocking out everybody they put in front of me. Until these clowns fight someone like me they have no credibility.
Boxingtalk What kind of fight are you expecting from Damon Reed?
James Toney I expect Damon to bring the fight to me and do what he does best. I don?t expect him to run or do anything different. Anybody fights James Toney is coming to win. I commend him for taking the fight and God bless him. Everybody come up to the San Manuel on February 24, have a good time, drink and gamble and watch somebody get knocked out? and it won?t be me.
Boxingtalk: You say you can beat James Toney. What are your keys to victory?
Damon Reed: I see myself being a lot busier. James, as a middleweight, was the best there was, but as a heavyweight he doesn?t throw enough punches. I will just be busier than him and outbox him. Not to take anything away from him but I?ve improved to the point that I can box for 12 rounds and outpoint the guy.
Boxingtalk: What do you feel this fight will do for the heavyweight division?
Greg Cohen: Any time you have a living legend like James stepping into the ring, it?s terrific for the fans. I think James still has some things to prove and a lot left in the tank. I think he has some things he still wants to do in this sport. Anytime the fans get a chance to watch a fighter like James Toney in action, it?s great. The heavyweight division is very boring right now, especially in this country. James is a colorful personality inside and outside the ring. He?s one of the best to ever lace up the gloves and it?s going to be a treat for everyone.
Boxingtalk You said the heavyweight division is boring in this country. Is it boring or are the fighters over here not getting the exposure because of everything moving overseas?
Greg Cohen I think it?s a little bit of both. The bigger fights have been overseas of late, but all it takes is one exciting performance to turn that around, whether from a fighter who?s been around a long time like James or a young stud coming up. It?s not hard to captivate the public; you just have to put on a terrific performance. And in boxing we all know you?re only as good as your last fight.
Boxingtalk: What is Damon bringing to the fight that gives him a chance to win?
Greg Cohen: Damon is very durable a veteran. He knows how to fight. He?s coming to win. He really does think he can beat James Toney and this is the opportunity of a lifetime for him. He?s coming in shape, not going to be intimidated. He?ll give it his all. He?s looking to be the Cinderella story. He?s going in with the right attitude and it?ll be great for the fans.
For more colorful quotes by James Toney check out Boxingtalk?s Scott Shaffer portion of the conference call http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article.php?aid=21216
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