3:44 PM
Roy Jones Jr. and James Toney were two of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
They will be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame together. The Boxing Hall's Class of 2022, which includes Jones and Toney, was revealed on Tuesday.
They're joined by publicist Bill Caplan, journalist Ron Borges, historian/producer Bob Yalen and female champion Holly Holm.
The group will be accompanied by the previous two classes when they are inducted on June 12. Fighters from those classes have yet to be in the hall of fame because of the swine flu.
Jones, one of the biggest stars in boxing at his peak, fought on well past his best days, prolonging the wait for his inevitable hall call. Jones won titles at 160, 168, and 175 before becoming a champion at the heavier weight.
Jones will be remembered for his ability to deliver punches from all angles. During his time as the pound-for-pound king, Jones excelled as an analyst for the cable channel. In his first year of eligibility, the Florida native enters the Hall, but Toney and Cotto had to wait for their second appearance on the ballot.
Jones continued to fight into his 40s, as did Toney. One of the greatest defensive boxers of all time is known as Lights Out and he has an inside game that is unparalleled. He was 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 The BWAA's 2003 Fight of the Year was earned by that bout.
After defeating Evander Holyfield at the weight class, Toney went on to win the title at the weights. The title victory was overturned after it was found to be positive for nandrolone.
Jones was connected to steroids after his 2000 victory over Richard Hall.
Toney has a pair of victories over Hall of Famers: Mike McCallum and Evan Holyfield. He was the boxing writers' Fighter of the Year two times. Jones defeated five Hall of Famers, but never won the award.
Cotto retired at the age of 37 after losing to Sadam Ali. One of the most accomplished boxers from Puerto Rico, Cotto often fought before sellout crowds at Madison Square Garden, thrilling the crowd with his ferocious body punching.
Cotto won titles at both weight levels before he upset the champ. Cotto competed with three Hall of Famers during his career, including a win over Shane Mosley. Cotto was defeated by a future Hall of Famer.
Cotto lost to Antonio Margarito in 2008. He avenged the defeat.
