James Toney Claims Mike Tyson Is 'Easy Win,' Compares Himself To Nate Diaz

Former multi-division world champion James Toney has claimed that Mike Tyson would be an “easy win” for him and compared his boxing skills to UFC star Nate Diaz’s ground game.

During his prime, Toney was considered as one of the most skilled boxers in the world. And while he and Tyson never had the chance to share the boxing ring, Toney believes that he would have schooled “Iron Mike” easily back then.

While inside the gym, Elie Seckbach of EsNews had a chance to talk to Toney while the former champ was training his fighters. One of the most interesting questions Toney was asked was what would be the outcome if he and Tyson have fought each other several years ago.

According to Toney, the answer was quite simple – he would have beaten Tyson as he is the best fighter in the world.

“Easy win, easy win too. C’mon man, I’m the best fighter ever, period,” Toney stated.

When asked about his thoughts regarding the latest rankings being declared recently where he is not even included in the top 10 greatest boxers of all time, Toney exclaimed that he is used to so-called “boxing experts” hating on him.

In a different video footage, Toney commended the ground game of (Nate) Diaz. Based on Toney’s assessment, Diaz’s grappling skills are “almost as good” as his boxing skills.

“Nasty Nate Diaz! All day everyday. He’s my guy. Hey Nate Diaz, You’re ground game is nasty boy! I’m tellin’ you. You’re ground game almost as good as my boxing game baby!,” Toney emphasized.

In late 2009 and early 2010, 41-year-old Toney had begun showing up at UFC press conferences. He insisted that UFC President Dana White should give him an MMA fight.

His request was granted and faced Randy Couture at UFC 118. Ahead of the fight, Toney wanted to prove that boxing is greater than MMA, MMA Junkie reported.

“Ya’ll say Randy Couture does ‘dirty boxing,’ whatever that means, and he’s a wrestler. Hey, this is war for me – this guy, who ya’ll claim is the greatest MMA fighter to put gloves on. (Boxers) are the superior strikers. I look at this as a way to let everybody know that boxing reigns supreme,” Toney said.

It didn’t take long for that treat to materialize. Couture stayed far outside of Toney’s range for the first 10 seconds of the bout, then shot in for a low single-leg that easily tripped Toney to the mat. Couture moved immediately to full mount, facing zero resistance in the process. With only 20 seconds gone in the first round, Toney was already in deep trouble. A few moments later, Couture finished Toney via arm triangle choke.