BoxRec

From Fightnews

WBC orders Rahman-Toney!

The WBC's Board of Governors has voted to elect James Toney as the official challenger against newly appointed WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. The free negotiations period for the Rahman's defense against Toney will begin today, and if no agreement is reached by December 15, the purse offer ceremony will take place when Rahman receives his belt on December 20 in Cancun, Mexico. Toney received 21 votes, Wladimir Klitschko received 5 votes and #1 rated Oleg Maskaev received 4 votes. The winner of the bout between Rahman and Toney must face Maskaev with no intervening voluntary defense. Wladimir Klitschko was dropped from consideration after the report that he will fight for the championship of a different organization.

At least this puts a bit more spice into the badly needed Heavyweights. Out of all the present lot, I wanted to see Toney get a shot. Never thought I'd see the day when Toney could well be the best Heavyweight in the World

At least this could put a bit more spark into things. Look forward to this fight if everything goes ahead.

I'm thinking Toney on points for the WBC title

I hope Toney can get into shape for this one.

He's looked like a medicine ball for his last few fights.

This is good. He's the only one of any class (in the ring) in the division.

Ian 'Mr' McNeilly wrote:This is good. He's the only one of any class (in the ring) in the division.

I'm glad you added "In The Ring" Ian, because out of the ring the loud mouthed lard ball talks utter shite. But in it he is a master of his trade and probably the most skilled "Heavyweight" out there.

The press conference for this most will be the most explosive yet!

You've got two loud mouthed guys, who have over inflated egos going at it. It should be memorable!!!!!

If recent Heavyweight fights are anything to go by then the press conference will be the most exciting thing about the whole event

Toney is lucky to get another shot at a recognised HW belt after his drugs ban plus he is no spring chicken. I fancy him to beat Rahman quite easily though and he certainly wont have any problems against Maskaev!

steve689 wrote:If recent Heavyweight fights are anything to go by then the press conference will be the most exciting thing about the whole event

LOL!!!!

You have a point there!!!!

Does this mean that rahman will get the record for the shortest two time title reign?

Reign 1. Ko lennox with a monster if a bit lucky punch, next match lennox cloobers him.

Reign 2. Handed title, next match Toney exposes him as an average fighter and hands him a beating over 12 rounds.

Im sure toney cant believe his luck!

Rahman can be a real good fighter, but history has shown he tends to piss his success away. Toney, unfortunately, might not be much better, but at least he's a personality - something the division is in DIRE need of.

I can't help but think of Rahman's performance against Ruiz that night. It was terrible.

If Rahman does not land a bomb, I see Toney boxing rings around him.

This could be close. Rahman can box and punch, he's no mug, and Toney will have to work if Rahman is motivated and in shape.