Gunn: Toney's a Hall of Famer, But Now Is My Time

With less than two weeks separating Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn from touching gloves with James “Lights Out” Toney in what has the potential to make for the one of the most exciting heavyweight matchups in some time, trash talking, politics and everything else that builds up a great fight has little bearing now.

When Gunn and Toney go to battle April 7 for the IBA Heavyweight Title, all that will matter that night is who the better fighter is, and who emerges as the IBA Heavyweight champion. Their past victories, championships and accolades mean nothing once the bell sounds to commence the first round.

Bobby Gunn has remained pretty quiet throughout training camp in regards to responding to Toney’s hate talk and derogatory statements, and has simply said time and time again that he is feeling great and anxious to fight the future Hall-of-Famer.

“I have been very fortunate throughout this training camp to have such a strong and dependable team around me,” said Gunn. “I truly believe I am in the best shape of my career and as ready as I can be for this fight. A very big thank you to Dominic Scibetta, who is one of the best trainers I have worked with. Without a doubt, as far as conditioning goes, no trainer can get a fighter into better shape than Dominic can.”

To prepare for this war against James Toney, Gunn has brought in elite sparring partners to give him top work, including Cisse Salif, Sharif Kemp and Israel Garcia.

“I’ve completed over 80 rounds of hard sparring to get ready for the fight, and I want to thank all the guys who are helping me. They are tremendous athletes and fighters. Sharif Kemp is one of the most underrated fighters in boxing today. This young man is an example of bad management and dealing with bad circumstance fights; I do believe now, that if Sharif gets the opportunity to show the world what he can do, he can go all the way. Cisse and Israel are true world class fighters in and out of the ring who display drive and determination every day in the gym, and I know deep down that their unrelenting work ethic will take them far in this sport.”

James Toney has earned the reputation as a freak of nature within the squared circle due to his relentless ability to discourage opponents and take fighters out of their element. In 83 fights he has never been stopped, and although critics claim he is past his prime, there is no doubt that come April 7 he will be looking to add yet another piece of hardware to his shelf.

“He is a world champion and a future Hal-of-Famer. I know what I have to do that night, and my plan is to go out and do it. My time is now, and I truly believe with all my heart that at the end of the night I will be holding up the IBA Heavyweight Title belt.”

“I am really excited for this fight; I want to thank God for this opportunity, and I want to give God the glory.”

Gunn battles Toney April 7, 2012 at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi. For information on everything related to Team Gunn visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bobby-The-Celtic-Warrior-Gunn/229151550460878.

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