Toney’s Suspension to Be Lifted

Based on the results of the latest urinalysis test of James Toney, the New York State Athletic Commission has declared the heavyweight fighter “drug free” and will lift his suspension July 30.

Toney was suspended and fined $10,000 after he tested positive for an illegal steroid after his April 30 title fight against John Ruiz in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

When he was suspended, Toney maintained his innocence. Asked if he had a comment on his reinstatement, the 36-year-old fighter replied, “I just want to get into the ring and smash someone.”

Toney beat Ruiz, the World Boxing Assn. champion, by unanimous decision, but the fight was declared a no-contest after the test results were learned, and Ruiz was subsequently given back the title.

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Bernard Hopkins has filed an appeal with the Nevada State Athletic Commission and sent a letter of protest to the WBA after losing his middleweight championship to Jermain Taylor on Saturday at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Hopkins, who lost a split decision, has zeroed in on the scorecard of judge Duane Ford. Ford, who scored the fight 115-113 for Taylor, gave Taylor the 12th round, a round Hopkins won on the other two judges’ scorecards. Had Ford given Hopkins the round, the fight would have been a draw.

The contracts for the fight included a rematch clause, and both fighters have said they will honor it. But when that happens depends on Taylor’s recovery from a deep cut on the top of his head. Taylor required 15 stitches to close the wound, which was caused by an accidental head butt. Estimates on his recovery time for a rematch range from four to six months.

In the meantime, Sam Soliman, the International Boxing Federation’s No. 1 middleweight contender, will be in the ring tonight in a match against Fernando Zuniga, the fight to be held at the Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, Calif.

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The last time Diego Corrales fought Jose Luis Castillo, he left with a swollen face and a bevy of bruises but still managed to score a technical knockout against Castillo in the 10th round on May 7 in what many called the match of the year.

A rematch between the two will take place Oct. 8 in a lightweight title fight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Associated Press contributed to this story.