Jack Welsh
www.ringsports.com

Whether or nor Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko do it again before the year is out, fight buffs might be in for a big inning early if Evander Holyfield and James Toney can deliver all they promise when they meet Oct.4 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Although the heavyweight decision remains stilted, here’s a 12-round elimination bout that Holyfield and Toney literally backed into when their original desires could not be fulfilled.

Holyfield, legendary as a four-time world heavyweight champion, was pressing hard to get Roy Jones, Jr., WBA heavyweight king, in the ring for a December defense. Work as they may, Jim Thomas, handling Holyfield, and Don King, promoting Jones, couldn’t reach suitable negotiations.

Toney, fresh from winning the IBF cruiserweight crown from Vassiliy Jirov in April, was reaching out with two options -- fighting IBF heavyweight ruler Chris Byrd or Bernard Hopkins, undisputed world middleweight champion, both promoted by King.

Toney, managed by Dan Goossen, was in a blind switch on either fight. King absolutely couldn’t come to terms with Goossen for Byrd to face Toney and it was a no-go when King insisted Hopkins was beyond reason financially to defend against the former middleweight and super middleweight champion.

Goossen, president of Goossen-Tutor Promotions, feels delighted the turn of events that neither Holyfield nor Toney got the original fights they wanted is now an advantage to the fighters, the promotions, and the public, plus having Showtime pay-per-view televising. “I see Toney-Hopkins as being a fun promotion but with Holyfield and Toney on the card, it becomes a super promotion because it’s the kind of kind fight the public will pay to see. They know what they are getting and that’s two warriors who will be punching toe to toe, not standing and holding. Neither Evander or James has ever backed down from a challenge,” Goossen reflected.

Holyfield,40, out of Atlanta, Ga., earns $5 million and puts his 38-6-2, 25 KOs resume on the line before celebrating another birthday on Oct.19.

Toney, 34, formerly of Grand Rapids, Mi, and now living in Los Angeles, Ca., will collect $2.5 million in a bid to enhance his credentials now at 64-4-2, 42 KOs in his debut as a heavyweight.

Nevada’s licensed bookmakers opened with Holyfield as the favorite at minus $1.45 and Toney at plus $1.25 but this is the kind of match-up that is certain to generate balanced wagering with the first bell two months away.

Goossen, who thrives on hype, said in many respects this pairing is like a championship fight.

“The winner of this fight will be in a position to press for a shot at somebody’s title. If Toney can score the victory at 225 pounds, it seems certain he will be talking about a chance at Lennox Lewis. Holyfield, arriving as the winner, will probably find the ‘Real Deal’ resuming his bid to meet Roy Jones early next year.

Without a doubt, this bout should deliver the kind of action that makes fans’ love heavyweights and the survivor will be in the position he wants to be in.”

Thomas, an attorney who has had a great run handling Holyfield’s spectacular career, obviously found dealing with King like a dead end street.

“Evander and myself found it great to be promoting with Dan Goossen who is promoting an event and not himself. Holyfield is one of the greatest warriors in history and when he comes to work, the fans do not have to guess what they are going to see. Evander has always been a fan favorite and this is definitely a fan’s fight.”

It has been well-documented that boxing’s Hall of Fame is patiently awaiting the four-time former heavyweight champion’s arrival. But as Holyfield has been telling his admirers and the media, “What’s the rush?” It seems safe to say the masses have finally got the message Holyfield won’t step down until he has won at least a share of the sport’s grandest prize for the fifth time.

There is no way money is a factor that keeps the mega-millionaire throwing punches. Whenever the 19-year pro’s pro hears somebody say he should be enjoying the status of a country squire with his new bride at his winding mansion outside Atlanta, Holyfield quickly counters “age or fading skills will never be an issue for me”

Whatever the age, Holyfield insists “styles make fights and there are good days and bad days, depending on who you are fighting.”

There was a kickoff media luncheon last week at the Mandalay Bay Hotel-Casino. Good scenario as the combatants seemed to be having some fun dwelling on strategy. Holyfield rarely stopped smiling while Toney worked hard scowling to be the villain.

Evander has pretty much been a take-it-too-you guy over the years while James’ road game has been as a counter--puncher whose clutch-n-hold routine has tired many a rival in the late rounds.

Hype ploys or no, Toney told the audience he’d love nothing better than to “knock off that big noggin of Holyfield’s as early as possible.” Impossible to smother the laugh, Evander declared “there’s nothing I would love better if James tried.”

Toney did imply he was willing to stay in front of Holyfield and trade punches from the outset. That thought shouldn’t intimidate the indefatigable pride of Georgia who has that kind of adversary for lunch in some of his greatest fights.

“If Toney is willing to trade punches that would be a gross mistake. I know I wouldn’t want someone who can punch as hard as I do hitting me first. If he decides he is willing to take some of those big shots, I can guarantee you we will be out of there early,”
Holyfield advised.

In making a strong point about styles, Holyfield retraced his series with John Ruiz, Hasim Rahman and Chris Byrd since 2000.
“Fighting Ruiz was difficult because his style is basically survival. In our Vegas fight, I caught him with a good hook to the body and the referee called it low after he went down. I know I won the third fight but they called it a draw,” Holyfield reviewed

“There were some people saying I should retire after Ruiz but they changed their tune after my stoppage of Rahman. He came out throwing all kinds of punches and I was able to wear him down early.

Fighting Byrd was entirely different because he is a defensive fighter trying to go the distance. I did have some trouble trying to get my punching rhythm working. I just hope Toney does what he said at the press conference.”

Toney, who has fought only 11 times since 1997, hasn’t had a major loss since Nov.18,1994 when he lost the IBF super middleweight title to Roy Jones, Jr., on 12-round decision in Las Vegas. In his next outing on Feb.18, 1995, Toney lost his IBF light-heavyweight crown to Montell Griffin on a12-round decision, also in the Valley of the Dollars.

Toney, hailed as “Lights Out” by his loyalists, is confident he can derail the Holyfield Express in his bid to regain the heavyweight belt.

“Right now I’m at the weight I should have been from the beginning when I turned pro in 1988.Holyfield said he is going to walk right through me because in his eyes I am not a natural heavyweight. Well, we’ll have to see about that,” Toney said.

“I’m one of the best punchers in the game and I know where to place my shots. Do people think I should be scared or intimidated by what Evander has done? Don’t forget, I’m from the old school and that means I’m going to show people what I can do at my real weight.”

And Goossen added that Toney had retained his youth and health despite 72 pro fights.

“James has never been a drinker or a drug user at any time in his career. If anything there were times when he let himself get out of top condition by overeating. He also lost touch with the people in general when he dropped in the ratings. Now it’s a different story because Toney knows he has a chance for a title shot if he gets past Holyfield and that means dedication and focus.”