Toney wins split decision over Oquendo

Dec 14, 2008 - 5:20 AM CABAZON, California (Ticker) -- The lights did not go out, but James Toney still emerged victorious.

Toney captured the lightly regarded IBA and WBO-NABO heavyweight titles, both of which were vacant, by posting a split-decision victory over Fres Oquendo in a 12-round heavyweight bout at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa on Saturday.

Since dropping consecutive fights to Samuel Peter in a span of four months from September 2006-January 2007, the 40-year-old Toney (71-6-3, 43 KOs) improved to 3-0-1 when he received scores of 115-112 and 114-113.

Judge Tony Crebs scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Oquendo (29-5), who lost the chance for a draw when he had a point deducted in the eighth round for delivering a low blow. The loss ended the 35-year-old Puerto Rican's three-fight winning streak.

A former middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight champion, Toney still is hoping to win a major title in the heavyweight division. He has failed in two previous bids, battling WBA champion John Ruiz to a no contest in April 2005 and fighting to a draw with WBC titleholder Hasim Rahman 11 months later.