Toney Picks Bernard Over Oscar

13/09/2004

Toney Picks Bernard Over Oscar

James Toney, who has held world titles at middleweight, supermiddle and cruiserweight, predicts Bernard Hopkins will defeat Oscar De la Hoya on Saturday. The only thing that Oscar De La Hoya can do is hope that Bernard gets sick,” laughs Toney when asked on the prospects of a victory by the “Golden Boy.”  “Bernard’s got nothing but strengths,” said Toney of Hopkins. “He’s a complete fighter, he’s old school like myself, and there ain’t no weaknesses.” Toney, currently rated the #3 heavyweight in the world by Boxingtalk, has a different view of what would happen if he himself were to fight Hopkins. “If he was fighting me there would be a whole bunch of weaknesses because I’m a bigger guy, stronger, faster, and more powerful,” said Toney. “But this fight here is a good fight for Bernard.  He deserves it, and it can be a cakewalk for him.” Toney's advice to De La Hoya is that he should “run as fast as he can.  If he sits there and goes toe-to-toe with Bernard, he’s gonna get knocked out,” he added. “Seriously though, for De La Hoya to win this fight, he’s gonna have to box."  Toney himself is preparing for what is expected to be an easy fight.  On September 23, Toney faces Rydell Booker at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California. Fox Sports will broadcast the Goossen Tutor Promotions show.