By Scott Shaffer

James Toney, weighing a career-high 233 pounds, took off his robe and looked dry and heavy, but not quite as heavy as his weight would indicate... John Ruiz had Toney in a headlock three times in the first minute. Toney landed a few sharp jabs and a solid overhand right in the last thirty seconds.  Toney's round. Round two... Ruiz warned twice for hitting behind the head, but it was a close round, probably Ruiz's.  Round three... The action began to pick up as Ruiz grabbed less and landed some solid punches. Clearly Ruiz's round. Round four... An exciting round as Ruiz had his moments but Toney landed a few sharp two-punch combinations to carry the round. Round five... Toney appeared to hurt Ruiz with a left hand that carried the round. Round six... Ruiz started strongly with very good work to Toney's body. His best round of the first half of the bout. Round seven... Ruiz was knocked down just after the opening bell by a right hand. He wasnt hurt and claimed his foot was stepped on. 10-8 Toney. Round eight.... Ruiz went across the ring and down on what was ruled a slip. Still, it was Toney's round. Round nine... Toney landed the single best punch of the round, but Ruiz's jab amd body work carried what was a close round. Round ten... Toney started strongly but began to tire, producing some great exchanges. Ruiz's round. Round eleven.. Toney was back in control at the start of the championship rounds. Ruiz was bleeding and now he seemed to be the more tired fighter. Toney's round.  Round twelve... A lackluster end to a competitive fight, as there was too much holding over the final three minutes. It was a close round, but probably Toney's. Boxingtalk's Scott Shaffer and OnFire Aguirre both scored it 116-111 for James Toney.