16.03.06 – By Frank Gonzalez Jr, Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank (Hasim Rahman weighed in at 238 lbs, James Toney weighed in at a career high 237)- 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 were 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.
On a good day, Hasim Rahman has decent boxing skills and power. On a bad day, his inconsistency makes him a tough bet against top-level opposition. Against an aged Holyfield, Rahman had trouble scoring and was rendered ineffective until the fight was stopped due to a head butt administered by Holyfield that swelled unnaturally. Against an even older Holyfield, James Toney won every round en route to a TKO 9 victory..
Hasim Rahman has resurrected his career by putting a string of five wins together (against “confidence building,” B-level comp), after a string of three losses and a controversial Draw vs. David Tua some three years ago.
Rahman is best remembered for two things-knocking out Lennox Lewis and being knocked out by Lennox Lewis, which ended his short reign as HW Champion. Rahman’s best asset is his size and power, which could end things with one big punch. Keys To Victory:For Rahman, he needs to use his length and jab to control Toney from the outside and pressure him at the end of rounds. If he works his jab consistently, he may find a home for his big right hand and send Toney to the canvas. Being in great shape will be critical for Rahman because he may need all twelve rounds to solve the problem that is James Toney.
For Toney, he needs to get inside and land short, precision punches. If he can draw Rahman into the corner, he could catch him with some of those sneaky uppercuts that will make Rahman reluctant and take him out of his rhythm.
Which Rahman will show up Saturday? A properly motivated Rahman can be a dangerous proposition for anyone in the ring. Considering Toney’s boxing skills and his ability to frustrate opponents, I’m leaning towards Toney to win by decision.
The best thing about this match up is that it could go either way. HW Boxing has had enough predictable match ups lately. Let’s hope this one at least provides some drama.
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