This Saturday evening HBO presents an IBF Cruiserweight title fite with Vassily Jirov defending against veteran James Toney ... and lemme tell you I have no clue who wins.

Were this one a model 1991, Toney would be a 22 year old middleweight - and readying for that memorable May date with defending IBF champion Michael "Second to None" Nunn - which saw "Lights Out" taking Nunn off the count in round eleven.

Nothing too shabby about the model 1993 Toney for that matter ...takes out former Bronx, NY tough-guy Iran Barkley in 9th candle to claim IBF super-middle title.

But today the Toney model has aged ... mucho mileage at age 34 ... not to mention 71 trips to the well ... resumé glitters at 65-4-2, 42 KOs - still, what once was a high speed chase at 60-65, at a today blown-up cruiserweight it's become more of a 1st gear approach.

Toney is tricky ... at times a sly old fox in the style of that past light heavy special one referred to as the Ol' Mongoose ... likes to let the other guy work ... a defensive game until ready to pull the trigger - and can still be lethal if given the opportunity.

And Vassily Jirov you ask ... clean slate at 31-0 and 27 whacks ... appears to have found the ideal work place among them nameless cruiserweights ... gets by #1 rated Toney and at number two is the Holy Ghost ... yep, vacant slot.

Jirov a southpaw that enjoys going to the body ... conditioned fighter ... busy but predictable ... doubt Toney will expose many targets to shoot at ... think the key in this one is more about challenger James Toney than champion Jirov.

Couple things to look for: ... Jirov reaction if on receiving end of a Toney bomb - no wiggle in the walk ya gotta like the cloutin' Kazakhstan's chances. As for Toney ... it will be all about pace ... and a need to get Jirov's attention early on.

Did I mention I haven't a clue in this one?

Semper fi,

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