James Toney at Local Amateur Show

“Lights Out” cheers on the boxers–and talks about future plans!

On Friday night, while heading into a local amateur boxing show in the San Fernando Valley, someone in our group notices a familiar face leaning up against an iron gate on the side of the gym. Wearing a floppy gray hat with red accents, a pair of sunglasses and a beard with some flecks of gray in it, I had to look closer to identify who it was. I then had that “light bulb” moment when I realized it was the one and only James “Lights Out” Toney.

The former middleweight champion was almost incognito, no big entourage and not wearing tons of bling aside from his double earrings and a wristwatch.

We stopped to say hello. “How are you, champ?” I asked the boxer who last fought in December, getting a victory over Fres Oquendo. The heavyweight shook my hand, smiled and replied, “I’m doing good, can’t complain. But if I did complain, no one would listen anyway!”

After some small talk, I asked him who he’s favoring in the Klitschko-Chagaev fight (that was taking place the following day). “Neither!” he exclaimed as we couldn’t help but laugh. It’s no secret that Toney has been coveting a matchup with either Klitschko brother and has called out the Ukrainian siblings numerous times in the past. He appeared fit, and in good spirits as he continued to kid around with us.

What’s next for the controversial boxer? Can the 40-year-old still be dangerous on the canvas?

He says he wants to stay in the game, answering, “I’ll find out this Wednesday about fighting again.” Toney (71-6-3, 43 KOs) has stated that his goal is to unify the heavyweight title to bring back the heavyweight division.

The Michigan native makes his home in the San Fernando Valley area of L.A., close to the Canoga Park gym where the fights were held. He came out to cheer on and encourage the young athletes participating in the weekend show held at the Bello Boxing Club and Fight Factory MMA owned by promoter Sayed Qubadi, who is also a 7th degree black belt and Pro Boxing equipment proprietor. At the weigh-in, Qubadi and co-promoter Michael Nader were both looking forward to their inaugural show at this location.

Master Sayed tells me, “I’ve had this gym since 1991, and I’ve been in the Valley for 26 years. But this is our first show. Everyone said, ‘Let’s do it’ and I kept saying no until finally they convinced me. We’ve been spending the last two months putting this together.”

Qubadi’s Martial Arts Academy and American Hapkido Karate studio is also in the same open-air building as his boxing gym. The martial arts specialist has also been involved in boxing for over two decades. “My family started Pro Boxing and Martial Arts Equipment since the ’80s,” he explains. “And through Michael, I’ve known James Toney for years and years.”

During their event, co-promoter Nader explains his motivation for lending his support in training the youth, “We’re trying to put the kids together in the ring, and get them off the streets and away from gangs and drugs.” The 11 bouts featured ages 8-29 with the many of the surrounding local clubs coming out and lacing up. The Burbank Boxing Club, Wild Card, Glendale Fight Club, Thousand Oaks, Jurupa Valley, Kid Gloves, Outlaws, Westside Boxing Club, and more all had their hopefuls in tow.

“Lights Out” Toney chose to relay a similar message to the children and teens listening. “Stay off the streets, and stay in the gym!” the IBA and NABO Heavyweight Champion said as he was brought up into the ring.

For the first six bouts, the heavyweight had sat ringside but remained incognito, still wearing his dark shades while watching the action. After his announcement by one of the evening’s emcees Danny Valdivia, fans went to meet Toney, who also had a successful amateur career in the late ’80s as a Silver Gloves and Golden Gloves winner.

During a show intermission, I noticed referee Daniel Sandoval having a somewhat lengthy, animated chat with Toney. I later asked the popular Southland official what he said that had the pro boxer’s attention.

Danny told me that he asked Toney what’s next for him in the ring and the former champ said he wants to fight the Klitschkos or Chris Arreola! Hmmmm, a matchup with Riverside’s “Nightmare”? The two have been sparring partners and it could be an interesting rumble. And if it ever did happen, they should do it in their own backyard! Both are with Gossen Tutor, so it’s a remote possibility–“The Clash in California” sounds pretty good to me.

I ask Sandoval if he’s known Toney a while as the two appeared to be on friendly terms. “I’ve known Toney and his brother for a few years. California adopted him as their own fighter.” The popular fixture on the amateur scene continues, “Yeah, Toney said he wants to fight a Klitschko or Arreola–anything for a title belt.”

During his career, the heavyweight did beat the likes of Evander Holyfield, Michael Nunn, Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, John Ruiz (later declared a no contest), and Vassiliy Jirov, among others. Danny has followed Toney’s career ups and downs. Recalling the 2003 Jirov war, Sandoval remembers, “When he fought Vassiliy Jirov, no one would give him any credit. After he won, they kept saying Toney was ‘back’ but I would say, ‘What do you mean? He never left!’ He was ranked in Ring magazine, never lower than 10. He was always in the middle, just floating!

“Toney was a perfect example of a good boxer. He would roll and counter. And when he’d counter, he’d hit them hard and knock them out! He’d play like he was hurt, and them ‘Bam!’ they’d be done,” Sandoval adds.

That brings up a good point. Does Toney have any “Bam” left in him?

That’s a question only the heavyweight or any of his possible future opponents can answer!

On Friday night, he did have some sizzle left as the dazzled the audience, at least with his smile and sparkling jewelry. He looks like he’s in shape, and we never saw him smoking any cigars that the avid connoisseur is known to enjoy, so who knows?

Champ, we’ll be watching for your next tangle in the ring!

Photos by Michele Chong: James Toney with Rogelio Moncayo and referee Danny Sandoval; The heavyweight with Burbank coach Steve; Snapshots from the show; Sayed Qubadi, Danny Valdivia, Michael Nader