James ‘Lights Out’ Toney amassed a record of 77-10-3. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan he was a real throwback-style fighter with a range of boxing techniques that must have given opponents nightmares.
Here’s a summary of the boxing techniques that constitute the 5 Fearsome Factors of James Toney:
#1 – Boxing Stance and Footwork
- Double cover or lead hand low
- Varied weight distribution – constantly altered to suit opponent
- Shoulder Roll/Philly Shell Plus
- Switched very occasionally (first Michael Nunn knockdown)
#2 – Pressure
- Constant grind forward
- Rarely took a backward step
- Turn the screw
- Defensively-minded aggression
#3 – Defense into Attack
- Block/Defend and respond
- Shoulder Roll onto hooks and uppercuts
- Consummate counterpuncher – active counterpuncher.
#4 – Punching Variations
- Hooks
- Uppercuts
- Long shots – rotation
- Squared for power when going for it.
#5 – Aggression and Intensity
- Full-blooded!
- Everyone knew why he was there
- Exciting – real exciting style.
So there you have it, the boxing techniques that constitute the 5 Fearsome Factors of James Toney.
Your thoughts and comments would be most welcome.
Cheers
Fran
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Hi Fran
Great job! Do you think if trying to emulate some of this style then we are better off in high guard when going forward and using footwork to get out of range after engaging? Things that Toney didn’t seem to do too much of? Or would you say that he did do this? I love Toney and his style but was always taught never to go forward with low left hand.
Hi there. Well I tend to always recommend a high lead hand on the front foot, unless you are super-adept with the layback/push away and back. Learn some characteristics, his versatility is off the charts
Thanks, Sir, for this brilliant, scientific analysis. It’s a pleasure like alwasy.
Thank you Matthias👍
I enjoyed your analysis. Would you recommend trying to emulate his style to some degree, or would that be too advanced for a relative beginner such as myself?
Kris
YEs, try to emulate. As long as you are ensuring that you are drilling the basics, it’s fun and helpful to try to emulate aspects of a boxer’s style. Just make sure you have a solid, basic stance and technically correct straight punches to base everything else on.