James Toney Punishes Rydell Booker

As reported by Associated Press, James Toney, in a warm up bout to an expected bout with a ranked opponent in November, relentlessly pursued and out-punched Rydell Booker en route to a lopsided decision in their 12-round heavyweight fight Thursday night.

Notably, Toney is reported to have injured his left bicep in the first round of the lopsided win. With a title shot apparently within his grasp, the apparent fragility of Toney's aging body must now be of concern.

Winning his 10th straight fight, Toney consistently rocked Booker with right uppercuts and had him wobbling several times, but could not finish him.

After Toney landed a series of hard shots midway through the eighth round, the reeling Booker dropped to a knee and took an eight-count.

Judge Frank Garza gave every round to Toney, scoring it 120-107. Barry Druxman had it 118-108, and Marty Denkin favored Toney 117-110.

Toney's record is now  68-4-2 (43).

The fight was just the 23rd for Booker, and it was his first loss. The 23-year-old from Detroit is 22-1, with 12 knockouts.