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After many disappointments and failed chances at glory, Hasim Rahman (41-5-2, 33 KOs) and James Toney (69-4-3, 43 KOs) were able to rise to the occasion by fighting hard for the WBC heavyweight title before a sellout crowd in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The problem was the end result because it settled nothing. The three judges at ringside scored the fight a majority draw, 117-111 for Rahman, 114-114 and 114-114 for the draw. Rahman retains his title, and Toney still maintains his 9-year win streak.
The bout was close at times, with Toney countering most of Rahman's punches off the ropes and Rahman controlling the fight in the center of the ring. Both men appeared tired the stretch, but Toney was visibly the more tired of the two fighters. After the decision was announced, both fighters felt they won the fight.
In a surprise, Rahman felt Toney did not bring his best and was out of shape for the fight.
"I think something happened in training camp because James has looked better. I thought I won the fight by the last round," Rahman said.
Toney felt that Rahman was unwilling to push the fight and caused the outcome that happened.
"What can you do if a man doesn't want to fight? I knew he would be scared. I thought I won," said Toney.
Where Rahman and Toney go from here is up in the air. The heavyweight landscape is not any clearer and the big money/future opponent layout will be likely planned out by the results of the next couple of heavyweight battles, two of the more important bouts are scheduled in the month of April. [details]
The bout was close at times, with Toney countering most of Rahman's punches off the ropes and Rahman controlling the fight in the center of the ring. Both men appeared tired the stretch, but Toney was visibly the more tired of the two fighters. After the decision was announced, both fighters felt they won the fight.
In a surprise, Rahman felt Toney did not bring his best and was out of shape for the fight.
"I think something happened in training camp because James has looked better. I thought I won the fight by the last round," Rahman said.
Toney felt that Rahman was unwilling to push the fight and caused the outcome that happened.
"What can you do if a man doesn't want to fight? I knew he would be scared. I thought I won," said Toney.
Where Rahman and Toney go from here is up in the air. The heavyweight landscape is not any clearer and the big money/future opponent layout will be likely planned out by the results of the next couple of heavyweight battles, two of the more important bouts are scheduled in the month of April. [details]
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