Couture’s Quick Victory Sends Message to Boxing World
Martial art champion Randy Couture had already gained the type of respect and fear that could send shivers down the fight of any well trained UFC fighter. Now his very name echoes fear down a new set of spines. Boxers everywhere cringed in their seats as the MMA hall of farmer introduced the NABO and IBA heavyweight boxing champion James “Lights Out” Toney to the brutal world of cage fighting. UFC 118 was not only a battle of two supreme athletes, but rather two worlds clashing together to prove their strength over the other, ending in one short round.
Toney’s renowned punching power was highly anticipated, but Couture’s speed and quick movements got the better of boxer early on. Bringing the heavyweight to the ground, Couture took control of the fight by locking the heavyweight in an arm triangle and using the opening as a chance to move in and strike. Landing several blows to Toney’s face the MMA champion changed targets from his head to his sides knocking the air from the boxer’s lungs. Beaten and locked in such a manner where he could do little to shield himself from punches, let alone throw them back, Toney tapped out at 3 minutes and nineteen seconds into the first round.
One could only imagine the disappointment that swept through the hearts and minds of onlooking boxing fans as the crowds of people around them took to their feet chanting shouts of “UFC! UFC! ”. James Toney was a vicious and dangerous athlete in the world of boxing whose fists where known for their knockout skill, however he was also the first boxer to enter the UFC ring. Couture’s quick victory is perhaps not only an addition to his outstanding track record, but also a message to the world of boxing contenders whose perception on UFC may bear great underestimation.
“Lights Out” Toney had said several times that “I look at this fight as a way to show everybody that boxing ranks supreme”. Perhaps the real lesson of UFC 118 was not delivered to just Toney, but rather all those who believe skills and strength in one sport can easily be transitioned to be used in another. Whatever may be the case, one can agree the concept and ideology of UFC may have been derived from a world of boxing and wrestling, but it no doubt proved its distinction on Saturday night.
Tags: