By Alex Trickett

Williams would have relished fighting Toney for the WBA belt

British heavyweight Danny Williams has voiced concern at the news that James Toney failed a drugs test after his WBA tilt against John Ruiz.

"Lights Out" Toney's points win changed to a "no contest" after the test result and Williams fears the lights could now go out on the American's career.

"It's another black eye for boxing," Williams told BBC Sport.

"I didn't believe he could make the weight and be strong, but the news does surprise me because he is a legend."

Toney to lose WBA title

Williams praised Toney's ability as a boxer, but said the test findings would undermine the 36-year-old's legacy.

"You look up to people like that and don't expect someone of his calibre to be involved something like this.

"It's sad for Toney and it looks like the end for him. This casts doubts over his achievements above super middleweight."

I'll beat Skelton inside five rounds because he won't be able to handle my power Danny Williams

On a more general level, Williams said the exploits of former middleweights Toney and Roy Jones Jr had damaged a "weak" heavyweight division.

"It looks bad when middleweights go up to heavy and beat us.

"It shows how weak the top division is at the moment. Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard would never have dreamed of taking on Larry Holmes in the 1980s."

Williams, who lost his WBC title challenge to Vitali Klitschko in December, is now stepping up training for a make-or-break fight with compatriot Matt Skelton.

"If I lose properly, I will retire. But if I win I may get a crack at the WBA belt - whoever ends up holding that," he said.

"I feel very good and I'm an improved fighter.