James Toney is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2017. Toney held world championships in multiple weight classes, including middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight.
Here we have James Toney’s net worth, earnings, career overview, boxing record, achievements, and more.
James Toney’s Biography
| Name | James Nathaniel Toney |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Debut | October 26, 1988 |
| Retired | 2017 |
James Nathaniel Toney was born on August 24, 1968, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. He grew up playing multiple sports, particularly excelling in football before turning to boxing.
Professional Career Overview
James Toney held world championships in three weight divisions: the IBF and lineal middleweight titles from 1991 to 1993, the IBF super middleweight title from 1993 to 1994, and the IBF cruiserweight title in 2003.
He also competed for the heavyweight championship twice, winning once in 2005 before being stripped due to a failed drug test.
Over his career, Toney participated in 15 world title fights across four different weight categories, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile boxers in the sport’s history.
James Toney’s boxing career spanned nearly three decades, during which he fought across multiple weight classes. He turned professional in 1988 and won his first world title in 1991, capturing the IBF middleweight title by defeating Michael Nunn. Toney successfully defended the title multiple times before moving up to super middleweight.
One of his most famous victories came in 1994 when he defeated Iran Barkley to claim the IBF super middleweight title. After a brief period at light heavyweight, Toney jumped to cruiserweight and eventually heavyweight.
Toney’s fight against Evander Holyfield in 2003 marked his arrival in the heavyweight division, as he scored a TKO victory. His defensive skills and counter-punching ability were hallmarks of his style.
However, Toney’s career had ups and downs, including a positive test for banned substances, which impacted his legacy.
Achievements
- IBF Middleweight Champion
- IBF Super Middleweight Champion
- WBA Heavyweight Champion
- IBF Cruiserweight Champion
James Toney’s Net Worth Details
James Toney’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025. His career earnings were significantly boosted by his fights in the heavyweight division, where purses were higher.
Toney earned millions during his peak years, especially for his fights against Holyfield and John Ruiz.
Prize Money Payouts
| Fight | Year | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| Evander Holyfield (Win) | 2003 | $2 million |
| John Ruiz (Draw) | 2005 | $3.5 million |
| Roy Jones Jr. (Loss) | 1994 | $1 million |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $2 million |
| 2023 | $1.8 million |
| 2022 | $1.5 million |
| 2021 | $1.2 million |
| 2020 | $1 million |
Endorsements
During his career, Toney had a few endorsements, but his most notable partnerships were with boxing equipment brands like Everlast and Title.
Professional Boxing Records
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 92 |
| Wins | 77 |
| Losses | 10 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Knockouts | 47 |
FAQs
1. Who is James Toney?
James Toney is a retired American professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2017. Known as “Lights Out,” he was a three-weight world champion, holding titles in middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight divisions. Renowned for his defensive skills and toughness, he was never stopped in 92 professional fights.
2. What is James Toney’s boxing record?
James Toney’s professional record stands at 77 wins (47 by knockout), 10 losses, and 3 draws. He also had 2 no-contests. Over his 28-year career, he fought in 15 world title bouts and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022.
3. What are James Toney’s most notable achievements?
Toney won world titles in three weight classes: IBF middleweight (1991), super middleweight (1993), and cruiserweight (2003). He was named Fighter of the Year twice (1991, 2003) by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America.
4. What is James Toney’s fighting style?
Toney was a defensive master known for his shoulder roll technique, counterpunching ability, and inside fighting. He had fast hand speed, respectable power, and exceptional durability, never being knocked out in his career despite facing elite competition.
5. Did James Toney ever compete in mixed martial arts (MMA)?
Yes, James Toney competed once in MMA at UFC 118 in 2010 against Randy Couture. He lost via first-round submission in what was his only MMA fight.
6. Why was James Toney stripped of the WBA heavyweight title?
Toney won the WBA heavyweight title in 2005 by defeating John Ruiz but was stripped of the title after testing positive for anabolic steroids. The fight result was changed to a no-contest, and Ruiz was reinstated as champion.
7. What were James Toney’s best fights?
Some of Toney’s best performances include his victories over Michael Nunn for the IBF middleweight title, Iran Barkley for the IBF super middleweight title, and Vassiliy Jirov for the IBF cruiserweight title. His win against Evander Holyfield also marked his entry into the heavyweight division.
8. What challenges did James Toney face outside the ring?
Toney struggled with weight issues throughout his career and tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs twice. He also faced financial difficulties later in life and continued fighting past his prime despite health concerns.
9. How did James Toney earn his nickname “Lights Out”?
Toney earned the nickname “Lights Out” early in his career due to his knockout power and ability to end fights decisively. The moniker reflected both his punching prowess and intimidating presence in the ring.
10. What is James Toney’s legacy in boxing?
James Toney is celebrated as one of the most skilled defensive fighters in boxing history. His toughness, adaptability across multiple weight classes, and longevity solidify his status as one of the sport’s greats, inspiring future generations of fighters.
