Lights Out in the Lion’s Den?

Posted on | June 24, 2011 | No Comments

By: Holli Yargo

The Lion’s Den and DogBoxer Gear tell me that it’s official. Current International Boxing Association heavyweight champion James Toney has contracted to face off with another UFC hall-of-famer, “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” Ken Shamrock.

Toney made his mixed martial arts debut last August in an ambitious match up with three-time former UFC heavyweight champion and two-time former light heavyweight champion, Randy “The Natural” Couture. Couture, too smart to trade shots with the boxing champ, took Toney to the ground almost immediately. Toney, who had only been training in MMA for about nine months at the time, didn’t have the experience to defend the takedown and was forced to submit to an arm triangle choke.

Now, almost a year later, Toney believes he’s ready to take on another UFC legend in Ken Shamrock. He comes into the Octagon with a 73-6 professional boxing record, which includes three draws and two no-contests. In his professional boxing career, Toney has also held the IBF middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight titles.

James “Lights Out” Toney’s manager, Trever Sherman believes Shamrock’s only chance is the takedown and wants his man to lure the shoot fighter into a striking match. However, with two knockouts on his record, Ken Shamrock has proven he has good hands in addition to the crippling leg locks that put Don Frye in the hospital with two broken ankles, causing the mustached wonder to suffer a lengthy battle with pain medications.

The details of the bout haven’t been entirely ironed out yet but it looks like Texas may be the host of this history making event. California and Nevada have also been given some interest, as well. The rumor, according to BJPenn.com, is the event will likely take place September 23, 2011 in El Paso, TX. How it will be promoted and televised is still left to be seen.