Pony International announced that nine-time world champion James “Lights Out” Toney (68-4-2, 43 KOs) will endorse the PONY brand through next year and into 2006, and will be featured in PONY’s 2005 global advertising campaign.
Toney, whose impressive career spans three decades, marked PONY’s return to heavyweight championship boxing for the first time in nearly a decade, when he wore the Center Ring Middleweight shoe during his 12-round unanimous decision win over Rydell Booker for the IBA World Heavyweight Title on September 23, 2004. Toney will promote the brand with retail and promotional appearances in 2005 and his next fight will take place in the first quarter of 2005. PONY becomes the exclusive footwear supplier to the “2003 Fighter of the Year,” as selected by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
“Pony’s history in heavyweight boxing is unmatched by any other footwear brand and we are excited to re-establish that link with such a colorful and engaging personality,” says Killick Datta, CEO of Global Brand Marketing, Inc., majority owner of Pony International. “Boxing embodies much of what PONY is all about — and so does James — excitement, authenticity, street attitude and Americana.”
“We are the perfect fit and at the top of our game. The absolute undisputed champs. Pony and Lights Out are ready for world dominance in 2005,” says Toney. “Together we will prove once and for all who the best of the best is!”
