James Toney vs Hasim Rahman Preview
By Brad Marchetti, Doghouse Boxing (July 16, 2008) DoghouseBoxing.com  
The James Toney vs Hasim Rahman fight Wednesday night on the Best Damn Sports Show should be a measuring stick as to which one of these heavyweight contenders has declined further. James Toney not long ago was a legitimate #1 heavyweight contender, but now at age 39, Toney’s eating disorder and his 603 pro rounds fought are starting to show. Rahman hasn’t been much better since these last two fought 28 months ago. Rahman is coming off 4 straight wins over C- to D- opponents since being KO’d by Oleg Maskaev.

James Toney swallowed some heavy bombs in the meantime against Sam Peter in a rematch, and most recently tested positive for steroids against a D level opponent he couldn’t KO. The James Toney vs Hasim Rahman boxing betting odds favor Rahman at -140 boxing betting odds.

In the first fight, James Toney came in grossly out of shape and fought Rahman to a draw. This time around both fighters have talked confidently about their conditioning and importance of this fight. From a pure size and power standpoint, the former Lennox Lewis conqueror Rahman has big advantages over the former middleweight in a fat man’s body. From a skill standpoint, James Toney is still a few steps ahead of the sluggish Hasim. Toney can still slip and dip very well with his cute defense, but Toney was talking a little funny after his fight against lead fisted Sam Peter. Some feel that Toney is punch drunk from that beating.

Hasim Rahman’s skills have dipped too as he appeared slow and uncoordinated in his recent fights against soft opposition. Rahman might have a confidence problem too having been devastatingly KO’d by Oleg Maskaev less than 2 years ago. The James Toney vs Hasim Rahman fight boxing betting odds OVER\UNDER is at 11.5 rounds with the OVER at -185.

James Toney vs Hasim Rahman Fight Tale-of-the-Tape

James Toney

Boxing betting odds +110

Ht. 5'10"
Wt. 225
Age: 39
Reach: 72"
Record: 70-6-3 (43)
Style: Boxer\Counterpuncher

Brad Marchetti Boxing skill ratings 1-10 for James Toney

Size: 4
Power: 6
Speed:6
Stamina:6
Defense: 8
Chin: 9
Legs: 5
Jab: 7
In-Fighting: 8
Ring IQ: 10
Heart: 8

Hasim Rahman

Boxing betting odds -140

Ht. 6'2'"
Wt. 240
Age: 35
Reach: 82"
Record: 45-6-2 (36)
Style: Puncher\Boxer

Brad Marchetti Boxing skill ratings 1-10 for Hasim Rahman

Size: 7
Power: 8
Speed: 4
Stamina:6
Defense: 5
Chin: 7
Legs: 4
Jab: 8
In-Fighting: 7
Ring IQ: 8
Heart: 8.



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