James Toney: “It Hurts Me” — On Mayweather–Tyson and Jake–Gervonta Fights

Former world champion James Toney has spoken out about the announced fights Floyd Mayweather vs. Mike Tyson and Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis.

“It hurts me to watch this. I love Mike. I know he did it (agreed to fight Jake Paul) for the money — and Mike should knock that punk out. Jake Paul can’t even spell the word ‘fight.’ It’s a joke. So I’m not watching it, not wasting my time. I love real fights — blood, guts.

Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis? When I saw that, I said, ‘Okay, change the channel.’ I’m not going to waste my time on that crap. Honestly, I don’t even want to talk about it. I’ve got no words. I like Tank. He needs to get his act together and focus on real business.

I know for sure Davis is on a string — like a puppet. You know what Jake Paul will make him do. If the fight goes the distance, he won’t get paid. If he knocks him out, he won’t get paid. Otherwise Tank would knock him out, because Jake Paul can’t fight. Doesn’t matter how big he is. I’m sick of talking about this crap,” said Toney.

The exhibition fight between Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) and Mike Tyson (50-7, 44 KOs) is scheduled for spring 2026.

On November 14, Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) and Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) will meet in a 10-round exhibition bout. Both will fight in 12-ounce gloves, with three judges scoring, though the result will not go into the official records.

Photo: MMA Fighting