In a match likely to re-ignite the “boxing vs. MMA” debate, a bout between 10-time UFC champion Randy Couture (18-10 MMA, 15-7 UFC) and former boxing champion James Toney (0-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is targeted for the UFC’s first trip to Boston.
Fighters Only was the first to report the possibility of the pairing, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) today confirmed that while the matchup is far from official, it’s in the works for a headlining spot at the event.
James Toney v. Randy Couture Planned For UFC 118
MMA fans are getting caught up in Toney’s boxing thinking that he is some sort of power puncher. He isn’t. His absolute best athletic days were around 170 pounds, he’s blown up to heavyweight and at the higher weights he doesn’t pack a ton of power. When you add smaller gloves and Randy Couture’s somewhat questionable chin it does add to the chances of Toney getting a KO, but it’s not the situation where a single punch automatically puts Randy’s lights out.
Toney also has an awful style of boxing to try and translate to MMA. He’s a defensive shoulder rolling counter-puncher. He’s likely to eat plenty of leg kicks or get double legged with ease and pounded out.
This is an easy win for Couture if he fights smart at all.
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