15.03.06 – Jim Amato: This is a very interesting match up and the winner of this just may be the best active heavyweight in the world. Who is going win and why ? Good question. I can for see so many possible scenarios. What does Hasim Rahman have to do to win ? I say the key is his jab. No he is no Larry Holmes but he has a pretty stiff jab. Toney would prefer to fight on the inside where he is the master of slip and counter. If the jab is working it will keep Toney at a distance where Rahman could unload his powerful right hand..
Toney has never been in with a fighter with Rahman’s power. Hasim is a true heavyweight. Even though Rahman’s the bigger, stronger guy I think he would be at a disadvantage on the inside with Toney. When kept at a distance Toney is much less effective.
What does James Toney have to do to win ? He must lure Rahman in to close quarter exchanges. Rahman’s frame of mind might be that his size would be too much for James in close. If he elects to wage an inside war he’ll be playing right into Toney’s hand. James is the slickest heavyweight around today and I think he would counterpunch Rahman silly in close.
Even though he is the smaller guy Toney should welcome fighting off the ropes. There I can see James controlling the pace while also stealing rounds. This will be crucial for James because I really can not see Toney winning by knockout. James needs to put rounds in the bank.
I am very curious to see how Toney reacts to Rahman’s power. If James holds up it could be a very long night for Rahman. Which Hasim Rahman will show up ? If it is the one that lost to John Ruiz you might want to put a sizable wager on Toney.
Who is going to win ? Well I’m not saying that Rahman won’t but like Manny Steward said, ” I never bet against James Toney “. Me neither Manny…