James Toney Gets Controversial TKO Win In Rahman Rematch

James Toney(71-6-3) TKO 3's Hasim Rahman(45-7-2)

It was not the most surprising thing to see controversy reign over this rematch, however there are good points for each side, and one absolute. Hasim Rahman came in looking in impeccable shape, as did James Toney (a ripe 226). The first round saw both guys feeling each other out, with Rahman doing the better work to win the round.

The 2nd round saw Toney land a clean right hand that stunned Rahman for a bit. The round went on uneventful until Rahman leaned in unguarded and got caught above the eyebrow with the back of Toney's head. It was clearly accidental at the hands of Toney's patented bob and weave that he does, and Rahman's fault for leaning in unguarded. It was not the type of cut that a fight gets stopped for by any means. Toney went on to land a clean left before the bell, closely outpointing Rahman in round 2. Rahman had his jab working from the start, but something happened in the 2nd round. He began losing his head and coming into full range for Toney. At the end of the round, you could see Rahman's head was evidently not in it anymore.

Round 3 began with a full barrage of clean shots from Toney, and little jabbing from Rahman. The jabs he threw were right up close where Toney could land easily. With about 30 seconds left in the round, Toney landed a big right that actually saw Rahman do a chicken dance, noticeably wielding shaky legs. Toney went ahead landing cleanly until the bell, moving ahead on the cards. When Rahman got to his corner, he complained that he couldn't see, ignoring his corner's treatment and preparation for the 4th round by calling the doctor over for a way out. The cut was quickly cleaned, as it was above the brow and easily manageable. Rahman kept at the doctor, seemingly begging for a stoppage as his corner attempted to get him ready for round 4. The doctor (without checking the actual wound) then motioned to the table and the fight was stopped. Rahman continued to sit on his stool with both eyes wide open with no blood streaming, complaining and hurling excuses as if his conscience was getting the best of him.

After a few minutes of discussion, a predicted no contest was announced as a TKO stoppage for Toney. The Rahman team argued that the doctor had stopped the fight because of the cut, however he never even examined it. Rahman kept telling him 'I can't see.' The doctor having not looking at the cut, the commission then ruled a TKO. There are valid arguments for both sides, but the absolute fact of the matter is Rahman was looking for a way out and quit on his stool because of a basic cut above the brow. When you get hurt twice in the early rounds from a Toney hook, you know it's lights out because of his skills and history of warming up in the middle rounds. Toney doesn't have KO power in the heavyweight division anymore, but Rahman was about to be the first man in five years to be stopped by Toney. He knew that, and cleverly decided to take advantage of the doctor and everyone else's gullibility. I only hope that this decision is not overturned, and Rahman never steps foot in a television bout again. The future of James Toney is still faced with question marks, but at least he has one. Rahman is finished, and has permanently stained his career as a quitter with no heart. The heavyweight division does not need to see him to fight again.