James Toney, the three-weight world champion whose illustrious professional career spanned nearly three decades, is unexpectedly returning to the boxing ring, and the announcement has stirred controversy and concern among fans and pundits.
Toney, who boasts an impressive record of 92 fights, 77 wins, 47 knockouts, and zero losses via stoppage, earned the moniker ‘Lights Out’ for his quick, challenging, and entertaining fighting style. His career highlights led him to the Boxing Hall of Fame, ultimately retiring in 2017. However, it’s worth noting that his retirement was marked by a failed doping test that reversed his victory for a heavyweight title.
Despite prior concerns about his health and well-being, the 55-year-old Toney has been revealed as one-half of an upcoming exhibition fight set to take place in Kingston, Jamaica. The event will be broadcast by Triller Fight Club, known for its 2021 about featuring Evander Holyfield and MMA fighter Vitor Belfort, in which Holyfield suffered a swift knockout.
Toney’s opponent in this exhibition match is Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock, aged 59, best known for facing Mike Tyson twice in 1991. Although Ruddock retired from professional boxing in 2001, he made a comeback 14 years later. In his third fight back, he suffered a knockout defeat at the hands of Dillon Carman, marking the end of his professional career.
The upcoming event, scheduled for November 11, will be broadcast on FITE TV and feature a musical performance by Beenie Man.
Nov 11 🚨The Legendary Razor Ruddock will return to the ring against the Hall of Famed James Toney LIVE on #Fite from Kingston, Jamaica 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/eG4SeIYuDd
— Triller Fight Club (@trillerfight) October 11, 2023
However, announcing this exhibition match has raised widespread questions and concerns. Fans and pundits have been left wondering why these two veterans are returning to the ring. Many believe the financial incentives may not be worth the risks involved, especially when considering the potential danger to the health of the two fighters.
With a combined age of 114, Toney and Ruddock are seen as well past their prime, having already given so much to the sport in their active, younger years. The decision to participate in such an event is often met with skepticism, as it raises questions about the wisdom of fighters continuing into their later years, particularly after having sustained substantial damage during their careers, whether in exhibitions or actual professional bouts.
The criticism and concerns surrounding this match emphasize the need to prioritize the well-being and long-term health of retired fighters and ensure they are not exposed to unnecessary risks, especially as they venture back into the ring in their later years.
