Wendy Toussaint takes Carlos Adames the distance despite late notice

Wendy Toussaint takes Carlos Adames the distance

On January 31, at a sold out Madison Square Garden, there were many story lines. The one that follows is yet another example of the many dynamics and forms of courage that makes boxing special.

With World Champion Carlos Adames forced to withdraw for medical reasons at the weigh-in, a fight set for the world stage (on the Shakur Stevenson-Teofimo Lopez card) needed an immediate replacement.

That call went to Long Island NY’s Wendy Toussaint (17-4). Stepping in on barely 24 hours’ notice, Wendy didn’t hesitate, moved up two weight divisions, and faced top world-rated competitor Austin Williams (20-1) under the brightest lights in the sport.

While Williams ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory in the 10-round bout, Toussaint displayed durability and heart, including rebounding from a fourth-round knockdown.

Very few fighters would do what Wendy did. At the time, Wendy was in preliminary training as he was scheduled to fight on Star Boxing’s Rockin’ Fights series at The Paramount on February 28. The February 28 event will also move forward as planned.

Wendy's future remains bright. Importantly, he will retain his IBF USBA Junior Middleweight Championship, as he competed at a higher weight for this bout. Prior to committing to the Madison Square Garden fight, Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing, worked directly with the IBF to ensure that Wendy’s title status at 154 lbs would remain fully protected.

Joe DeGuardia, who made the deal for Wendy Toussaint to step in at Madison Square Garden last night, commented: “This was a calculated decision made with Wendy’s long-term career and financial gain all in mind. He took a rare opportunity on a day’s notice, moved up two divisions, and helped save an important bout on an even more significant boxing extravaganza, while enhancing his profile. Although he didn’t walk away with the victory, he nevertheless deserves respect for stepping up under those circumstances on one day notice, and will see even more opportunities in the future.”

Fans can look for Star Boxing to announce Wendy Toussaint’s next fight at 154 lbs very soon.