Last Chance: Toney vs. Rahman II

By Igor Frank
Photo: Jan Sanders - Goossen Tutor
 

 

Promoter Dan Goossen hosted a press conference in Sherman Oaks, California at a trendy Italian restaurant, Sisley, to announce “Last Chance” an intriguing rematch between James” Lights Out” Toney and Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, which is scheduled to take place Wednesday night, July 16th.2008 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California and to be televised live on FSN “Best Damn Fight Night”.
 

Even though both contestants are in twilight of their careers and a name “Last Chance” seems fitting: winner gets a final title shot- loser no shot, the event generated a huge interest with the local media. Unpredictable character Toney, who is never at a loss for words and Rahman, who has a certain east coast edge to him are two ingredients along with great food at Sisley’s that had this press conference packed with media.

 

Dan was a gracious host and acknowledged that both men were throwback fighters and promised that the rematch (their first fight for Rahman’s WBC World Heavyweight title back in March, 2006 ended up in a draw) will be an exciting action filled battle. He commended Toney for getting in great shape and said; “There is not a Heavyweight out there that could compete with him when he is in that kind of shape.”
 

Todd Duboeuf, president of Top Rank, seemed really excited about upcoming bout and said that this fight was a no brainer and that was as easy to make as a phone call.
 

Rahman seemed more interested in playing with his Blackberry at first and when called to the microphone just said that he would do the talking in the ring on July 16^th. However as time went on he made fun of Toney’s inability to accept defeat and asked: ‘But you have never lost a fight, James?”, then he promised to make a statement and knock him out.
 

Toney said; I want to thank the man upstairs for the opportunity for me and Rahman to do what we do best, which is to fight. This is the real Heavyweight championship fight, not Klitschko or whatever the other guy’s name is. Hasim is one of the best fighters in the world, he has won two world titles and he has fought everybody in the division just like I have, so this is a real Heavyweight championship fight.” Toney also said that this time he got his ass in shape and promised to win this fight decisively.

 

Dan Goossen summed it up:” Toney’s Hall of Fame career is on the line against a 2-time Heavyweight World Champion– the man that KO’d Lenox Lewis to win the title– in a do or die bout for both men. It’s one of the few times in sports where winning isn’t good enough. The winner has to be impressive.”

 

Ticket information is forthcoming. Hope to see you there.