Issue 066
September 2010
James ‘Lights Out’ Toney is on the verge of making the switch from boxing to MMA. The modern legend has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC and will debut against Randy Couture. Over the years a number of boxers have made the jump from ring to cage – with varying degrees of success…
ALESSIO SAKARA
BOXING CAREER
Debut in 2004. 8-1-0; six early finishes
HIGHLIGHT
‘Legionarius’ fought for the IBF youth cruiserweight title in July 2005, losing to Jean Marc Monrose
MMA CAREER
Started in 2002 and stepped up to the UFC in 2005. Has a winning record in the Octagon. Currently fighting out of American Top Team
HIGHLIGHT
Won ‘KO of the Night’ for his stunning kick to the head of Joe Vedepo at Ultimate Fight Night 15
FUTURE
The heavily illustrated Italian has excelled since dropping to middleweight and looks ready to take on the big guns in the division
ERIC BUTTERBEAN ESCH
BOXING CAREER
Over 100 fights, the vast majority ending by way of KO. His status as ‘King of the Four Rounders’ made the super heavyweight a cult hero
HIGHLIGHT
As well as being a fixture on Vegas undercards at the turn of the century, ’Bean once shared a ring with the legendary Larry Holmes
MMA CAREER
With his bulk and larger-than-life personality, he found a warm welcome in Japan
HIGHLIGHT
Dominated Zuluzinho from side control before finishing him with a keylock at Pride 34 to prove he was more than just a banger
FUTURE
There will always be an audience for a ’Bean fight. On the side he runs the Mr Bean BBQ restaurant in Jasper, Alabama
RAY MERCER
BOXING CAREER
Olympic gold medalist and WBO heavyweight champ. Fought the cream of his generation, including Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Wlad Klitschko
HIGHLIGHT
Lived up to his ring name ‘Merciless’ when he destroyed Tommy Morrison in the fifth round, one of the most brutal KOs you’ll ever see
MMA CAREER
After a disastrous foray into K-1, Ray was Kimbo Slice’s first MMA opponent. Kimbo won by way of guillotine
HIGHLIGHT
Tim Sylvia decided not to go for the takedown straight away. Less than ten seconds and one Mercer right hand later, the former UFC champ was out cold
FUTURE
The 49-year-old has signed with King of the Cage, but injury has delayed his debut for the organization
JULIUS FRANCIS
BOXING CAREER
British and Commonwealth heavyweight title holder, he challenged for the European title and fought four world champions
HIGHLIGHT
Best known for being a stop on Mike Tyson’s comeback tour (he was knocked down five times in the four-minute fight)
MMA CAREER
After losing 14 straight bouts, the ageing Londoner decided to switch to MMA. His career in the cage lasted just one fight
HIGHLIGHT
Headlined Cage Rage 23. Francis was clearly not prepared for the job and lost to Gary Turner inside two rounds
FUTURE
Francis has now retired from combat sports
MARCUS DAVIS
BOXING CAREER
‘The Irish Hand Grenade’ clocked up a 17-1-2 pro record, with 12 wins inside the distance
HIGHLIGHT
Despite the impressive numbers, Davis’ career on the New England club circuit is short on name opponents
MMA CAREER
His all-action style quickly established the Ultimate Fighter graduate as a UFC fan favorite
HIGHLIGHT
Davis realized his ambition when he fought in front of an Irish crowd at UFC 93. After three rounds against fellow boxer Chris Lytle, he took the split decision
FUTURE
Davis has established himself as a gatekeeper in the UFC welterweight division; a stiff test for anyone with title aspirations
KJ NOONS
BOXING CAREER
11-2-0 with five KOs. Also has a decent record in kickboxing
HIGHLIGHT
Another case of boxing stats not telling the whole story. In his sole contest within the bigger leagues, he was outpointed by James Countryman
MMA CAREER
Took the EliteXC title when he cut up Nick Diaz but returned to boxing when that organization crashed. Now back and operating with Dream and Strikeforce
HIGHLIGHT
Destroyed Yves Edwards with steam-hammer elbows in 48 seconds to retain his title
FUTURE
Within the dramatic atmosphere of Strikeforce, his record and history of bad blood with the Diaz clan make him a marketable asset
RICARDO MAYORGA
BOXING CAREER
28-7-1 with 22 KOs. WBA and WBC welterweight champion and WBC light middleweight champion
HIGHLIGHT
Took out Vernon Forrest in three rounds in their 2003 title unification bout
MMA CAREER
Signed to Shine, hyped his debut to the max, then the whole show collapsed when Don King pointed out the fighter was still contracted to him
HIGHLIGHT
His Shine press conference was vintage Mayorga machismo. ‘El Matador’ blew cigarette smoke in Din Thomas’ face and told him: “I’ll be the man and you’ll be the woman”
FUTURE
Mayorga will be back. Give him a microphone to talk trash and he can’t resist it. Whether he ever actually makes his MMA debut is another matter
