On Could 10, 1991, Michael Nunn went up towards James “Lights Out” Toney for Nunn‘s IBF middleweight strap on the John O’Donnell Stadium, Davenport, Iowa, in what was an entertaining conflict that noticed “Lights Out” declare victory by eleventh spherical TKO, profitable the IBF title.
James Toney Defeats Michael Nunn in Iowa
James Toney vs. Michael Nunn Recap
The build-up to the battle was full of trash-talking, however Nunn was first out the blocks on battle evening as he let his crisp jab go at will through the early rounds. He was placing his combos collectively and countering successfully. Toney was having success, however Nunn was impressing probably the most.
He additionally wobbled Toney within the center rounds, with “Lights Out” solely touchdown the occasional proper hand. After some robust phrases from his nook, Toney got here out in spherical seven and landed an enormous proper hand, which appeared to empty the Iowa native, leaving Toney on prime.
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Toney labored his opponent’s physique later within the battle and switched impressively between the top and physique, with Nunn slowing down. Spherical eleven noticed “Lights Out” land some heavy pictures, which all appeared to have an effect on Dunn. In the course of the spherical, Toney landed a fantastically timed left hook, which dropped Nunn for less than the second time in his profession. Toney pounced as quickly because the motion resumed and dropped his opponent once more, prompting Nunn‘s nook to leap within the ring and finish the battle, crowning Toney the brand new IBF middleweight champion in an exhilarating contest.
What Got here Subsequent?
Nunn went on to win a model of the Tremendous Middleweight title, however sadly, the Toney battle appeared to mark the start of the tip for the Iowa native, who in 2004 was sentenced to 24 years in jail for drug trafficking.
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Toney had a powerful profession preventing via the weights as much as heavyweight. Regardless of experiencing poor performances and having weight issues within the latter a part of his profession, he’s no doubt probably the most entertaining fighters of his era.
