James Toney, the former multi-weight world champion, has picked out four current fighters he thinks could have been world champions in his era. The boxers who made the cut are Terence 'Bud' Crawford, David Benavidez, Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, and Shakur Stevenson.
Toney, known as 'Lights Out' during his career, fought from 1988 to 2017. He racked up an impressive record of 77 wins in 92 fights, with 47 of those victories coming by knockout. He won multiple world championships across three weight classes and faced off against big names like John Ruiz, Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman, and Roy Jones Jr.
The former champ is well-known for mastering the shoulder roll defense technique. He thinks his era was one of the best ever in boxing. When asked about today's fighters, Toney had this to say in an interview with The Parry:
'Bud' Crawford could be one, David Benavidez, [Gervonta] 'Tank' [Davis], Shakur Stevenson, but Shakur, he move, he box, he like a Sugar Ray Leonard type. All good fighters but other than that, I don't see no one else after that, no one, no one.
Crawford stands out as a two-weight undisputed champion who's held titles in four weight divisions. Benavidez, a former super-middleweight champion, is currently trying to set up a fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. Both Davis and Stevenson hold lightweight belts right now.
Toney's opinion carries weight. His career achievements have put him among boxing's greats. He fought and beat some of the best in the business, showing he knows what it takes to be a champion.
A fighter's pride and belief in their own skills can help them get through tough moments in the ring. Toney's comments show he values not just physical skills, but also the mental toughness needed to be a champion in any era.
