A DRAW!

RAHMAN VS. TONEY DECLARED A DRAW
By Ron Brashear
Inside Boxing Writer

Atlantic City, NJ (IB – March 18, 2006) – From the Boardwalk Hall of Caesars in Atlantic City and televised on free weekend HBO, the co-promoted event by Top Rank Promotions and Goosen Tutor, provided us with a very competitive and see-saw match between Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (44-5-2, 34 KOs) and James “Lights Out” Toney (69-4-3, 43 KOs).

This was a very competitive fight and I felt it was difficult to score; however, I had Rahman winning 115-113.

The votes that actually counted though saw the fight as 117-111, 114-114, and 114-114 for a majority draw.

There were no knockdowns in the fight. Punch stats records indicated the following:

Rahman                                                                                               Toney

933                                        Total Punches Thrown                           633

279                                        Total Punches Connected                      263

30%                                       Percent                                                  42%

379                                        Jabs Thrown                                          193

120                                        Jabs Connected                                     48

32%                                       Percent                                                  25%

554                                        Power Punches Thrown                         440

159                                        Power Punches Connected                    215

29%                                       Percent                                                  49%

After the fight, Toney stated, “I thought I won the fight by 2-3 points. He seemed scared. Nobody knocks James Toney out.”

In the end, Hasim “the Rock” Rahman remains the WBC Heavyweight champion and sets his site on the winner of Klitschko vs. Byrd.

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Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@brasheargear.com

“Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money” Hasim Rahman Vs. James Toney I
By Frank Gonzalez Jr.

March 18th, 2006 - Saturday night in Atlantic City, James Toney (69-4-3-43 KO’s) took on designated WBC Heavyweight Champion, Hasim Rahman (41-5-2-33 KO’s), who was installed as such after former WBC Champion, Vitali Klitschko retired—right before their scheduled fight.

The Rahman Toney fight featured some close rounds but it was Rahman’s jab and work rate that put the most rounds in the bank over Toney on my scorecard.

This was the best boxing I’ve ever seen from Rahman. He used his jab, kept good control of the tempo and even beat Toney at his own game too many times on the inside. At times, Rahman lost his focus and got drawn into Toney’s game on the inside but even when he did, he was at the least, equally effective. On the outside, Rahman used his jab effectively to control the pace, while winning most of the exchanges with stronger punching power. More

RAHMAN-TONEY DRAW
By Jim Amato

March 18, 2006 - In a give and take battle and really a better fight then expected, Hasim Rahman and James Toney fought to a majority draw. Tough fight to score. HBO gave it to Rahman 116-112. One judge scored it for Rahman 117-111. Two judges agreed at 114-114.

Rahman retains his WBC title status. Decent fight but the result just further stagnates the already muddled heavyweight division. Will Rahman and Toney meet again ? If not, who will Rahman defend against. Who will win, Byrd or Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF title ? Brewster-Liakhovich will settle matters for the WBO title on April 1st. Good God I hope that is not a draw too. Will Valuev give John Ruiz a rematch for the WBA title ?
zzzzzzzzz.

This is not a good time in heavyweight history. Lennox and Vitali...It's up to you !

ROCKING OUT THE LIGHTS
Stephen S. Johnson

On March 18, 2006 in Atlantic City, New Jersey (HBO) there will be crowned a new WBC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION when 33 year old Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (41-5-1, 33 KO’s) takes on 37 year old James “Light Out” Toney (69-4-2, 43 KO’s).

On paper the fight seems a total mismatch. Toney, at 5’9” is dwarfed by Rahman, standing 6’3”. But the intrigue of the huge-hearted Toney versus the talented but somewhat lackadaisical Rahman, makes this fight one we cannot miss. More

TONEY-RAHMAN ; The Keys To Victory
Jim Amarto

This is a very interesting match up and the winner of this just may be the best active heavyweight in the world. Who is going win and why ? Good question. I can for see so many possible scenarios.

What does Hasim Rahman have to do to win ? More

Preview of Hasim Rahman vs. James Toney
Frank Gonzalez

James Toney’s slick boxing skills and sneaky power should be the difference in this fight. His quality defensive skills should be enough to keep Hasim Rahman off guard and off tempo. But considering the quality of Toney’s recent opponents at HW, there’s no real way of knowing how Toney takes a big punch from a legitimate, though past his prime HW if he takes a clean shot. Rahman has the capability to answer that question—if he can land a big shot in the right spot.

If Rahman is able to furiously press Toney with a constant barrage of punches, he could get lucky. But if Toney can stay out of harms way and dictate the pace, he will outbox Rahman to a blowout, decision victory. More

By Ron Brasher

James Toney
* Show up in good physical condition <235 lbs
* Get inside of Rahman's Jab
* Turn this fight into a brawl and keep Rahman on the ropes

Hasim Rahman
* Control the fight with a stiff jab
* Keep the fight in the middle of the ring
* Utilize his reach and height advantage to remain on the outside and
output Toney.

By Laz Izada

Even though Rahman has the height and reach advantage. I would say Toney is favorite because he has more heart, talent and experience. Common opponents Rahman has lost to Holyfield and Ruiz. While Toney has beat both, later having a no contest ruled against Ruiz. Remember the WBC belt was given to Rahman when Vitali Klitschko retired. Toney takes him out early or wins a one sided unanimous decision. Toney has more heart, desire and skill.