Toney, Shamrock First Face-to-Face Ends in Near Brawl

Posted on | June 29, 2011 | No Comments

From the files of “what did you think was going to happen with these two in the same room?” comes news that Saturday’s meet and greet and photo-opportunity faceoff at the newly opened IFC Gym in Van Nuys, California, between boxing great James Toney and MMA great Ken Shamrock featured the two nearly coming to blows.

Toney and Shamrock have agreed to meet in a modified rules MMA showdown some time this fall. While several cities and venues are still vying to host the fight, both combatants have already signed on the dotted line. Saturday was their first meeting since they agreed to face each other.

As per the norm for both men, the conference began with ugly NSFW barbs back and forth, but then nearly escalated into chaos.

Despite being held at 8pm on a Saturday, the promotional event garnered 100 fans and media. None left disappointed. Clips of the near brawl have gone viral on the web, with a few threatening to over-run their servers before being pulled down.

Shamrock seems to have the recipe for rattling Toney, who had to be restrained several times.