TalkingBoxing with Norman "Stoney" Stone
"I honestly believe that this will be his best performance ever"
by
Julius Stecker
4/13 -
Norman “Stoney” Stone has earned a reputation as boxing’s most intense trainers. A media and fan darling he is not, but the trainer of WBA champion John Ruiz he is. That alone gets him some big-time credit, as Ruiz, love or hate him, has beaten some of the best heavyweights in recent times.
Aside from his antics and passion displayed in the ring, Stone gets everyone talking outside it. A recent setting was the Madison Square Garden Theater to announce the WBA title fight between his fighter Ruiz and #1 challenger James Toney. Long story short, Toney and Stone almost came to blows and their scuffle ended the conference early. Words can't explain the situation or do it any justice, so just watch our video coverage to get the full picture.
Loyalty and support for his fighter are unmatched and while sometimes "slightly" notorious, he has always been receptive and encouraging to fight fans and Ruiz. TalkingBoxing.com caught up with Stone to get his take on Ruiz’s much anticipated fight.
TalkingBoxing.com How has John looked in training?
Norman Stone: Fantastic. Everything’s going well. We’re ready to go; ready to rumble.
TalkingBoxing.com You’ve been with John since Day One, what has his success meant to you?
Norman Stone: His success makes everybody around him look better.
TalkingBoxing.com In your opinion is James Toney a legitimate heavyweight contender?
Norman Stone: Time will tell. He’s been a great fighter as a middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight. He’s beaten Holyfield and Booker, and the good cruiserweight [Vissilly Jirov]. We’re going to find out April 30 what kind of a heavyweight he is.
TalkingBoxing.com So in your humble opinion can John knock James Toney out?
Norman Stone: Yeah, he can, but we can talk all we want. Styles make fights and we’ll know everything April 30.
TalkingBoxing.com What is John’s opinion of Toney as a fighter?
Norman Stone: Same as mine - Toney’s a great fighter.
TalkingBoxing.com Do you think John is the best heavyweight in the world, and if so, what makes him the best?
Norman Stone: Yes, without a doubt. Johnny’s fought and beaten the best heavyweights in the world.
TalkingBoxing.com What can we expect April 30 from John Ruiz?
Norman Stone: I honestly believe that this will be his best performance ever. He has to go out and take charge, not only to win, but to overcome the stigma of his grappling and other stuff.
Discuss this at our Boxing Forum
