Toney vs Rahman on Wednesday

By Boxing News - 07/15/2008 - Comments

On July 16th, 2008, the boxing world will have the rematch of a lifetime – literally. The long-awaited “Last Chance” for Hasim “Rock” Rahman (45-6-3, 36 KOs) to be considered a heavyweight contender as he once again faces the living legend James “Lights Out” Toney (70-6-3, 43 KOs) at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA..

The scheduled 12-round NABO Heavyweight Championship Bout — presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Don King Productions, in association with Top Rank, Inc. – will see the two fighters meet again after their March 18, 2006 matchup that saw Rahman fight Toney to a draw after 12-rounds in Atlantic City, leaving Rahman retaining the WBC heavyweight title (he then lost the title later that year to Oleg Maskaev). Both fighters say they are training hard to go the distance for this showdown.

Toney, 39, has been training at the 360 Gym in Reseda, CA. Among his sparring partners preparing him for his fight are former WBA Heavyweight Champ Lamon Brewster and undefeated prospect Malik Scott. In an appearance on FSN’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period” last week, co-host John Salley commented that in over 20 years he had never seen James Toney in such great shape as he is now.

James is a 20-year pro. As a former IBF middleweight, super middleweight, and cruiserweight world champion, James is a future Hall of Famer and is undefeated in his last 15 fights. His wins against Evander Holyfield and IBF cruiserweight world champion Vassilliy Jirov earned James the “2003 Fighter of the Year” award by The Ring Magazine, which joins his “1991 Fighter of the Year” award.

Hasim Rahman became the heavyweight champion of the world by knocking out Lennox Lewis in 2001 and then lost the title to Lewis later that year, before regaining the WBC championship in November 2005. Rahman said, “I know this is my last chance to remain in title contention. I just don’t want a ‘W’; I’d like it to be spectacular. James Toney is a throwback fighter…Good defense. Knows how to fight. I’ll be ready for him. We had that 12-round experience together.”

Toney – Rahman Training Camp Notes

James “Lights Out” Toney (70-6-3, 43 KOs) and Hasim “Rock” Rahman (45-6-3, 36 KOs) checked in with updates from their respective training camps where final preparations are being made for their July 16 showdown..

The scheduled 12-round NABO Heavyweight Championship Bout — presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Don King Productions, in association with Top Rank, Inc. – will headline an FSN “Best Damn Fight Night” telecast (11 pm EST Live/8 pm PST) from the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA.

Both normally loquacious and often outrageous warriors were uncharacteristically low- key, indicative of just how serious they are taking this fight. Much was learned about each other in their first world championship encounter back in March, 2006, which was scored a draw. Not the least of which was the importance of conditioning — especially given their advanced ages – should the fight go the distance or close to it.

“I’ve been running early in the morning and late at night,” the 35-year old Rahman, who is training at the Gene Lewis Boxing Gym in steamy Mesa, AZ, disclosed, quipping: “Temperatures have been getting up to 113-115 every day. If I ran when the sun was up I’d wind up a light heavyweight.

In between, Rahman has been working with a lineup of sparring partners which has been constantly rotating and getting him in world championship fighting shape. But the only fighter that matters to him right now is James Toney.

“I know this is my last chance to remain in title contention,” Rahman conceded. “I just don’t want a ‘W’; I’d like it to be spectacular. James Toney is a throwback fighter. He fights like the heavyweights of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Like Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles, Eddie Machen and those guys. Good defense. Knows how to fight. I’ll be ready for him. We had that 12-round experience together.”

Plans call for Rahman to break his six-week camp on Sunday, July 13 and head to Pechanga, three days prior to the fight.

Toney, 39, has been training at the 360 Gym in Reseda, CA. His regimen includes running at 7:00 am each morning, sparring at 1:30 pm and returning to the gym at 5:00 pm for more cardio and strength and conditioning drills. Among his sparring partners preparing him for his fight with Rahman are former WBA Heavyweight Champ Lamon Brewster and undefeated prospect Malik Scott, as well as Raphael Butler, Javier Mora and John Clark.

In an appearance on FSN’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period” last week, co-host John Salley commented that in over 20 years he had never seen James Toney in such great shape as he is now.

For his part, Toney is tired of responding to his critics in the media and refused to take his usual acerbic and profanity-laced shots at them, as well as his opponent.

“I’m not going to run my mouth,” Toney insisted. “Just watch me in the ring. That is the only thing I will say to you.”

Tickets for “Last Chance” are on sale now and are priced at: Ringside – $150, VIP – $100, General Admission – $50

To purchase tickets in person visit the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office or to purchase by phone dial: 877-711-2WIN, and online at Pechanga.com