• Heavyweight

Tyson tells Toney: Let's get it on

ESPN staff
August 10, 2012
James Toney won significant world titles at three different weights © Getty Images
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Unbeaten British heavyweight Tyson Fury has indicated that he is more than willing to accept James Toney's offer of a fight.

Toney, 43, was once considered one of the planet's finest pound-for-pound operators and has won significant world championships at three different weights, but those days are now way behind him - and in November 2011, he was dominated by unheralded Russian Denis Lebedev.

However, in a recent interview Toney, whose name retains some of its pulling power, declared his intention to KO Fury, one of the emerging stars of the heavyweight division.

Fury has spoken about polishing himself up in anticipation of a date with one of the Klitschkos, perhaps as early as next year, and it is unlikely that Toney will prove adequate preparation. However, the 23-year-old is willing to make the veteran American his 20th professional opponent.

"James Toney was a very good fighter," Fury told World Boxing News. "Although his last proper outing against Denis Lebedev spoke volumes of his chances against a man [like] me and I think he needed to retire ten years [ago].

"Seeing how he has got some sort of title [the IBU heavyweight crown] then why not, let's fight! I'd be ready 100%. I didn't even know he had a title so let's get it on. He will earn his Savile row suit with the beating he's going to get."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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