He’s back! For the first time since losing the World Boxing Association heavyweight crown, boxing superstar James Toney is lacing up his gloves for a Showtime Championship match against heavyweight contender Dominick Guinn. In what’s sure to be an action-packed main event, Toney and Guinn will go head to head at the Reno Events Center Saturday, October 1 at 6:15p.m. (9:15pm ET).

Toney (68-4-2, 43 KOs), of Grand Rapids, Mich., will make his first appearance since he fought for the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight crown on April 30, in New York. Toney easily outpointed defending champion John Ruiz to take the title, but the bout was later ruled a no-decision when Toney tested positive for a banned substance.

"No matter what happens, I know I did not cheat or take any illegal substances," said Toney, whose suspension ended July 30. "Keep in mind when the topic of steroids and drugs surface in the sport,” James Toney states, “there is no need and has never been a need for me to indulge at all in any illegal substances to help me beat anybody."

Toney had a "Lights Out" 12 months in 2003. He was named "Fighter of the Year" for his victories over Vassiliy Jirov and Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield. On April 26, he shocked the boxing world by scoring one knockdown en route to winning an electrifying 12-round decision over the then-undefeated Jirov for the IBF cruiserweight title. Then, the following Oct. 4, he dominated the legendary five-time heavyweight champion Holyfield, knocking him down once en route to a one-sided ninth-round TKO.

Guinn (25-2-1, 18 KOs), of Hot Springs, Ark., was very highly regarded when he turned pro on June 16, 2000. He had his way at the outset of his career, winning his initial 24 starts. But he has suffered some setbacks in recent bouts, going 1-2-1. Guinn knows that he needs a victory badly to help resurrect his promising career.

"It's now or never," Guinn said. "For me, this is like fighting for the undisputed heavyweight world title. "When I beat Toney, I will show people what I am really all about. I know I can perform at a higher level. It was almost too easy for me at the beginning. But this is the ultimate challenge and I am ready for it."

On March 27, 2004, Guinn lost his first bout as a pro, suffering a split-decision defeat to the more experienced Monte Barrett in Little Rock, Ark, by the scores of 93-97 and 96-94. Guinn rebounded to register a 23-second, first-round knockout over Phil Jackson in his next start, but Guinn dropped a 10-round decision to Sergei Liakhovich on Dec. 3, 2004. He instead boxed a 10-round draw with Ahunanya on Friday April 22, 2005.

IBF Bantamweight Champion Rafael Marquez vs. IBO Bantamweight Champion/IBF #1 Contender “African Spice” Silence Mabuza

In what should prove to be a spectacular co-feature, International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez will defend his belt for the sixth time when he takes on International Boxing Organization (IBO) 118-pound champion/IBF No. 1 contender, Silence Mabuza.

Marquez (34-3, 30 KOs), of Mexico City, Mexico, has successfully defended his title five times since knocking out previously undefeated champion Tim Austin in the eighth round on Feb. 23, 2002. In his most recent title defense, Marquez cruised to a 12-round decision over Ricardo Vargas on May 28, 2005, in Los Angeles. Marquez floored his opponent in the fight's final minute to ensure the nod by the scores, 116-111 twice and 118-109.

"I am ready to go," Marquez said. "I cannot wait to get in the ring and silence Silence Mabuza. He has never fought anybody of my caliber, and on Oct. 1, I will give him a boxing lesson."

Mabuza (18-0, 15 KOs), of Johannseburg, South Africa, captured the IBO bantamweight title in his 11th professional bout by knocking out Jose Sanjuanelo in the sixth round of their March 2, 2002, bout in Brakpan, South Africa.

Undefeated as a pro, Mabuza successfully defended his title for a sixth time in his last bout by recording a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion, Cruz Carbajal, on May 13, 2005, in Las Vegas.

"Marquez is a talented boxer with a distinguished ring record," Mabuza said. "Beating him will add more value to my boxing career. "I have tapes of his last couple of fights and have been keeping tabs on him. He is a tough puncher who has a tight defense, but I feel I can take him out."

New card added: Byrd vs. Williamson

International Boxing Federation (IBF) Heavyweight Champion Chris Byrd (38-2-1, 20 KOs) will make the fourth defense of his title against mandatory challenger DaVarryl Williamson (22-3, 18 KOs), it was recently announced. The attractive tripleheader on SHOWTIME begins at 5pm at the Reno Events Center.

“Our goal over the past two years has been to break through the clutter in this sport,” said Jay Larkin, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, Showtime Sports & Events Programming. “We feel that we have done that so far in 2005 by bringing unbiased, quality match-ups to loyal boxing fans on a consistent basis. The addition of a Byrd-Williamson title fight on Oct. 1 punctuates an already exciting card.”

Tickets cost $200, $120, $70, $50, and $30 and can be purchased by phone at (888) 288-1833; at Circus Circus’ main cage, the Eldorado Showroom box office, Harrah’s box office, an