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The big men take center stage Atlantic City, as WBC heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman (41-4, 33KOs) defends his title against James "Lights Out" Toney (69-4, 43KOs). Rahman looks to take Toney out by using his power, while Toney looks to use his superior hand speed to outwork the bigger man.
Both fighters have seen their shining moments turn to nightmares. Rahman knocked Lennox Lewis out in 2001 for the heavyweight crown, only to lose it a few months later when Lewis knocked him out within four rounds. The loss to Lewis started a three fight losing streak for Rahman, which resulted in several years of constant activity to get himself back in mix. Most don?t feel he is the true champion because he never beat the fighter most considered as the top, Vitali Klitschko.
After months of negotiations and delays, Klitschko retired before Rahman would ever get the chance to face him The interim title he won in his snoozer of a bout with Monte Barrett, would result in his coronation as the WBC champion. In other words, there are many who feel Rahman was "handed" the belt. A clear win over Toney may change the opinion of many.
James Toney is still looking for respect in the heavyweight division. After several heavyweight bouts, the verdict is still out on whether or not James can hang with the skilled big men of the division. As the case with Rahman, a win may change the minds of many. Toney gets a second chance to become only the third man in boxing history to start his career as a middleweight and win the heavyweight title. [details]
Both fighters have seen their shining moments turn to nightmares. Rahman knocked Lennox Lewis out in 2001 for the heavyweight crown, only to lose it a few months later when Lewis knocked him out within four rounds. The loss to Lewis started a three fight losing streak for Rahman, which resulted in several years of constant activity to get himself back in mix. Most don?t feel he is the true champion because he never beat the fighter most considered as the top, Vitali Klitschko.
After months of negotiations and delays, Klitschko retired before Rahman would ever get the chance to face him The interim title he won in his snoozer of a bout with Monte Barrett, would result in his coronation as the WBC champion. In other words, there are many who feel Rahman was "handed" the belt. A clear win over Toney may change the opinion of many.
James Toney is still looking for respect in the heavyweight division. After several heavyweight bouts, the verdict is still out on whether or not James can hang with the skilled big men of the division. As the case with Rahman, a win may change the minds of many. Toney gets a second chance to become only the third man in boxing history to start his career as a middleweight and win the heavyweight title. [details]
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