33 years ago
James Toney vs Reggie Johnson
Date: 29th June 1991
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
Title: IBF World Middleweight Title
Promoter: Top Rank
Tv: ABC Wide World Of Sports
James Toney
(
26
-
0
-
1
)
Weight: 159 lbs
Reggie Johnson
(
29
-
1
-
1
)
Weight: 159 lbs
James Toney's split decision victory over Reggie Johnson on June 29, 1991, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a showcase of tactical boxing. In his first defence of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Middleweight Title, Toney overcame an early knockdown and a late-fight injury to retain his championship.
The fight began with Johnson seizing early momentum, knocking Toney down in the second round with a powerful left hook and securing a 10-8 round across the judges' scorecards. This moment had Johnson appearing on the verge of capturing the middleweight championship, but the bout would take a different turn as the rounds progressed.
Undeterred by the early setback, Toney demonstrated his championship pedigree by adjusting his strategy and beginning to dictate the fight's pace. Despite facing a cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt in the final round, Toney's ability to control the action and force Johnson into a more passive role proved decisive. Johnson, for his part, showed flashes of brilliance that initially troubled Toney but ultimately hesitated at crucial moments, allowing Toney to recover and capitalise.
The judges' scorecards reflected the fight's competitive nature. Patricia Morse Jarman and Ric Bays scored the bout in favour of Toney, while Mike Glienna saw Johnson as the victor. Johnson's split decision victory underscored the fight's closely contested rounds and the fine margins that often determine the outcome in championship boxing.
Toney's win over Johnson not only preserved his unbeaten record but also solidified his status as one of the top middleweights in the world. Johnson's loss marked a missed opportunity to claim a world title but highlighted his skill and resilience as a top midweight division contender.