PRESS RELEASE: Call it conjecture. Call it wishful thinking. Anyway you want to call it, boxing’s gregarious gladiator – James Toney – is putting his “Lights Out” stamp on any talk that his certain hall of fame career is over. And so is his Neurosurgeon.
Dan Goossen, longtime promoter of the seven-time, multi-weight class world champion and current heavyweight contender, revealed that Toney was given a complete medical examination in Los Angeles by Michael Levy, MD PhD.
“Among the battery of administered tests completed were detailed ophthalmologic and neurological examinations,” Goossen added. “The doctor said all facets of the eye exam including orbit and retina were normal. Neurologically, all components of the cranial nerve, motor, sensory, reflex, vestibular, and cognitive testing were also normal.”
After sustaining a highly disputed loss to Samuel Peter last September followed by a decision defeat in the mandated rematch in January in their WBC Heavyweight Title Elimination bouts, Toney’s future was questioned. As the Peter, Paul & Mary song asks, when it comes to counting out James Toney: “When Will They Ever Learn?”
So typical of the 38-year old fan favorite and 20-year pro from Calabasas, California by way of Ann Arbor, Michigan, the thought of giving up his quest to regain one last shot at a world heavyweight championship – after a pair of defeats to arguably one of the world’s two best heavyweights in Peter -- never crossed Toney’s mind. However, his advisory team – headed by John Arthur and Billy Blanks – with his best interest at heart, insisted Toney (69-6-3, 43 KOs) take a full medical examination before pursuing any future fistic pursuits.
"It was like pulling teeth to get James to see a doctor,” Arthur, Toney’s godfather figure explained. “But in this case I told him no doctor, no fight. That quieted him down real quickly. Once the results were given to us, it was worth all the time to do this, especially for James."
"James is in excellent health and shape,” Dr. Levy stated emphatically. “The results of this examination exceeded my expectations, especially considering the last time I had Mr. Toney in the office, he was close to 20 pounds heavier. He seems to have kept the weight off from his last fight and continued on a healthy diet and training regime."
Negotiations are underway for Toney’s return to action and all details will be provided shortly. Stay tuned for your next “Lights Out” update!
P.S. Also attached are pictures of James Toney’s recent visit to the Children’s Hospital of San Diego.
