02.11.08 – by James Slater — It seems the bold predictions James Toney made about the upcoming David Haye-Monte Barrett and Joe Calzaghe-Roy Jones Junior fights have caused quite a stir. When speaking with “Lights Out,” yours truly was informed under no uncertain terms that “Two Gunz” will knock out Haye on November 15th and , before that, Roy Jones will put “The Pride of Wales” “to sleep” on November 8th. Sure, Toney is a guy known for talking, and talking, and talking……… But could he be right in what he says? Is there any chance his predictions could come true?
Looking first at the Haye-Barret showdown, “Lights Out” just may be on to something. Claiming the well seasoned Barrett will be “too tough” for Haye and that he will knock him out, James has at least a fair shot of being proven right with this fight. Already, a number of fans have beaten Toney to it and predicted “The Hayemaker’s” downfall. We simply do not know how Haye will react the very first time his chin is tested by a full heavyweight’s power.
The former cruiserweight has even admitted as much himself. Therefore would it be a huge shock if veteran Barrett came out and smoked Haye, proving Toney to have been right in the process? No. Yes, it would spoil a lot of plans and it would ruin some potential excitement down the road, but a huge upset? No. With this prediction, then, whether it was a fully seriously made one or not, Toney may have a shot at seeing his prior wisdom applauded.
But what about Jones KO’ing the unbeaten Calzaghe? James went even further with his forecast here, he even called the round practically. Claiming Jones would put Joe to sleep in the 4th or 5th round, Toney startled/angered a lot of fans. But has “Lights Out” any chance of being right with this one? Anything can happen in a prize-fight, and conversely nothing can ever be ruled out. As such, with his still fast hands and well above average punching power, even a 39-year-old Jones could perhaps cause a real sensation by stopping the previously all-conquering Welshman. After all, Bernard Hopkins wasn’t expected to deck Calzaghe back in April, but he did. So, does Toney have a chance of being proven right on his second call? No. Not unless we see one huge upset.
Yes, Joe went down against B-Hop, but there’s still nothing to suggest he has a suspect chin. Jones may pull off an upset and out-point Calzaghe, but I don’t think there’s much chance of him scoring a KO.
Then again, what do I know? James Toney, despite what some people may think of him, is more of an expert than this writer or practically any other. The 40-year-old great has been there and done it all himself, therefore he has a right to give his opinion on his fellow fighters. But as to whether or not James had his tongue in his cheek when he was giving me his predictions, I do not know. What is sure, though, is the fact that when Toney talks his words get peoples’ attention!