Super boxing coach Freddie Roach has worked with some of the finest fighters in the UFC, and still works with some of the greatest fighters in boxing but his coaching relationship with Toney ended years ago. However, he’s still concerned about Toney and how many more shots he can take while keeping himself healthy, and he seems genuinely interested in protecting the 42 year olds mental and physical state. Roach talked recently to The Examiner and addressed the situation:
I told James to quit after the second Sam Peter fight. He got hit big shots he never used to get hit with before and it was big heavyweights landing the shots. It’s not just the slurring of his speech. James got pissed off at me, told me to go buck myself but I still consider him my friend. Those shots have taken a toll and I know from experience.
Whether Toney will enter the mixed martial arts arena remains to be seen, although he seems to think that he will continue his new foray into the sport. There’s still talk of a return to boxing as well, with a side show fight against Kimbo Slice a far possibility. Time will tell whether Toney will heed Roach’s words and even more importantly time will tell if Roach had the right of it.