Report: Shamrock, Toney Planning Fall Clash
Mike Whitman Jun 24, 2011
Multiple-time boxing champion James Toney
may return to the world of mixed martial arts, as a bout between
the reigning IBA heavyweight king and
UFC hall of famer Ken Shamrock is
reportedly being put together for this fall.
BJPenn.com first reported the matchup, stating the fight would take place Sept. 23 in El Paso, Texas. Details on the venue and promoter are currently unknown.
A decorated pugilist, Toney (Pictured; file photo), 42, was once considered among the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. Twice named Ring Magazine’s “Fighter of the Year,” Toney tried his hand at MMA in August, falling easily to another UFC hall of famer in Randy Couture. “The Natural” hit an ankle pick and grounded Toney soon after the opening horn sounded, planting the boxer on his back and easily passing his guard. Couture then transitioned to an arm-triangle choke and forced “Lights Out” to submit just 3:19 into their heavyweight affair.
Like Couture, Shamrock is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most important pioneers. A dangerous submission artist in the cage, Shamrock introduced himself to American audiences at UFC 1 in 1993 after beginning his career in Japanese promotion Pancrase. Once among the world’s top mixed martial artists, the 47-year-old has fallen on hard times in recent years. Shamrock has lost seven of his last nine fights dating back to 2005. Most recently, he was knocked out by journeyman Mike Bourke at a King of the Cage event in November.
BJPenn.com first reported the matchup, stating the fight would take place Sept. 23 in El Paso, Texas. Details on the venue and promoter are currently unknown.
A decorated pugilist, Toney (Pictured; file photo), 42, was once considered among the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. Twice named Ring Magazine’s “Fighter of the Year,” Toney tried his hand at MMA in August, falling easily to another UFC hall of famer in Randy Couture. “The Natural” hit an ankle pick and grounded Toney soon after the opening horn sounded, planting the boxer on his back and easily passing his guard. Couture then transitioned to an arm-triangle choke and forced “Lights Out” to submit just 3:19 into their heavyweight affair.
Like Couture, Shamrock is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most important pioneers. A dangerous submission artist in the cage, Shamrock introduced himself to American audiences at UFC 1 in 1993 after beginning his career in Japanese promotion Pancrase. Once among the world’s top mixed martial artists, the 47-year-old has fallen on hard times in recent years. Shamrock has lost seven of his last nine fights dating back to 2005. Most recently, he was knocked out by journeyman Mike Bourke at a King of the Cage event in November.
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