Las Vegas, NV, USA (June 18, 2024) - Former multi-weight champion James Toney has once again unleashed a verbal onslaught, this time targeting current heavyweight contender and former unifield champion Anthony Joshua. Toney, known for his sharp tongue and outspoken nature, has criticized Joshua for not facing top-tier competition and has questioned his performance against notable opponents like Oleksandr Usyk.

Toney's Criticism of Joshua

In a recent interview, Toney did not hold back, expressing his disdain for Joshua's recent fights and performances. He particularly highlighted Joshua's bouts against Oleksandr Usyk, where Joshua suffered two consecutive losses. Toney described Joshua as fighting "scared" against Usyk, implying that Joshua lacks the necessary grit and determination to be considered a top heavyweight contender​​.

Toney further asserted that Joshua would not stand a chance against Deontay Wilder, who recently got knocked out by Zhilei Zhang. He believes that Wilder's power and aggressive style would be too much for Joshua to handle, predicting that Wilder would easily knock him out. This criticism comes amidst a broader context where Toney has consistently positioned himself as a no-nonsense critic of contemporary fighters who he feels do not measure up to the standards of past champions​.

James Toney: A History of Verbal Assaults

James Toney's career has been as notable for his in-ring accomplishments as it has been for his outspokenness outside the ring. Throughout his career, Toney has never shied away from voicing his opinions on fellow fighters, often with a bluntness that borders on brutal honesty. His verbal tirades have targeted numerous fighters over the years, contributing to his reputation as a outspoken and controversial figure in the boxing world.

Toney, a former champion in multiple weight classes including middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight, has always prided himself on his toughness and willingness to fight anyone. He entered the heavyweight division, but failed to secure a world heavyweight title. This background fuels his criticism of modern fighters, whom he often perceives as avoiding the toughest challenges. His comments on Joshua are consistent with this perspective, reflecting a broader critique of what he sees as the weakness of today’s heavyweight division.

The Context of Joshua's Career

Anthony Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, has faced significant scrutiny following his losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Despite his achievements, including victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin, Joshua's recent performances have drawn criticism from various quarters. His cautious approach against Usyk and a perceived decline in his fighting spirit have been focal points for critics like Toney.

Joshua's career has also been marked by bouts that some fans and analysts consider to be less challenging, further charging criticism. His recent exhibition against an MMA fighter, for instance, was viewed by purists as irrelevant to his standing in the heavyweight division, adding to the narrative that Joshua is not consistently fighting the best available competition. However, Joshua is still in rebuild mode from his two defeats to Usyk and it's not unusual for a former champion to build back slowly before taking on division's best once again.

Ongoing Debates

James Toney's latest tirade against Anthony Joshua underscores the ongoing debates within the boxing community about the quality and character of modern fighters. While Joshua still remains a significant figure in the boxing world, criticisms from seasoned veterans like Toney highlight the high expectations and scrutiny that come with being a top heavyweight contender. As Joshua looks to rebuild his career and regain his previous status, he will need to address these criticisms head-on, both in and out of the ring.