Everyone answers to somebody, so we, the staff at Sherdog.com, have decided to defer to our readers.
“The Doggy Bag” gives you the opportunity to speak about what’s on your mind from time to time.
Our reporters, columnists, radio hosts, and editors will chime in with our answers and thoughts, so keep the emails coming.
This week, readers weigh in on the UFC’s signing of boxing great
James Toney, the perceived downfall of
Fedor Emelianenko and the long-term outlook of the WEC.
I'm so sick and tired of MMA fans bashing the UFC's signing of James Toney. Does Sherdog have any reporters with experience in covering boxing? If so, please have them address how monumental this is, and how Toney is going to turn the Octagon upside down with his power and technique. Also, what facets of Toney's game will cross over well from the ring to the cage? Will Toney be allowed to fight with boxing shoes on? If not, how will it affect his striking?
-- Armando from South Chicago
Hey Armando, thanks for the email. I’ve been covering boxing in Las Vegas for about ten years and have been ringside to some of the biggest events in the sport’s history, so I guess it’s natural that I address your questions.
I’ve also followed James Toney’s entire career, covered several of his fights in person, interacted with him and have watched all of his professional bouts. Without question, “Lights Out” will be a first ballot hall of famer (I'll be casting a vote for his entrance as well when the time comes) and is one of the greatest boxers of his generation.
Toney will do well inside the Octagon as long as an opponent is silly enough to stand with him. While Toney has a gaudy number of knockouts on his resume, he isn’t really a knockout artist by any means. He’s always been a slick-counter puncher who wears you down with guile and accuracy. But with four-ounce gloves and the perfect punching technique that Toney has, he’d be a heavy favorite to flatten anyone he touches (remember: it’s technique more than power).
Toney will not be allowed to fight with his boxing shoes on, and the main thing that will translate from boxing to the Octagon is his ability to punch perfectly. On the flip side, he loves to stand there, lean back and roll with punches and hunch over to his side to avoid contact. In MMA, that often leads to easy takedowns.
Hope that answers your questions, Armando. Have a great day, and the South Side of Chicago is the best.
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