A war of words has come about between boxing and mixed martial arts stars that has caused a division among fighting fans. Boxing fans, including future hall-of-famer Floyd Mayweather Jr., criticize MMA fighters for a lack of technique when it comes to punching. MMA fans claim professional boxers don’t stand a chance in the ring since they have to worry about takedowns.
UFC President Dana White has targeted boxing for letting down fans because matchmaking is based on money and politics now. The age old question of which sport’s athlete would prevail in a fight could be answered in UFC 118. It hasn’t been finalized but Randy “The Natural” Couture and current IBA heavyweight champion James “Lights Out” Toney are expected to square off. Once it is all said and done, we will find out once and for all who rules the mat: a wrestling-based mixed martial artist or a professional boxer?
UFC 118 is scheduled in Boston in August. Boxers have always argued they can make the transition to the octagon with ease. Despite the trash talking surrounding both sides, Couture is respecting Toney’s willingness to compete.
“We’ve heard Mayweather and others kind of run their mouths about it, and he’s the first one that’s actually had the courage to step up and fight, and stand behind what he’s talking,” said Couture. “We’ve heard other boxers come on board and make comments about MMA, and James is really the first one that’s stepped up and put his butt where his mouth is and signed on the line.”