Toney gets TKO after Rahman is cut
It probably won’t have the shelf life of Roberto Duran’s infamous “no mas” uttered 28 years ago, but when Hasim Rahman told the ringside doctor that he couldn’t continue Wednesday night against James Toney, he probably was putting the final touch on his career.
Rahman, 35, couldn’t answer the bell at Pechanga Casino in Temecula after suffering a half-inch gash over his left eye from a Toney head butt early in the third round. Dr. Paul Wallace determined Rahman’s cut wasn’t serious enough to stop the fight, but when he asked Rahman three times if he was OK to continue, Rahman replied each time, “I can’t see,” according to referee Ray Corona.
Because it was Rahman who said he couldn’t continue and not the doctor, Corona said he had no choice but to award Toney the victory via technical knockout, giving him the vacant North American Boxing Organization title.
Just after Wallace waived off the fight, Toney collapsed on all fours and rested his forehead on the canvas. At the same time, boos filled the ballroom and spectators heckled Rahman, infuriating members of his entourage.
“I’m back and it feels good,” said Toney, 39, who has won titles in five weight classes but has struggled with his weight during the second half of his career. “Now I can get the big bucks and fight the biggest and best fighters out there.”
The fighters did little damage during the first two rounds.
Toney (71-6-3, 44 knockouts) attempted to duck under a right hand about 10 seconds into the third round, but bumped heads with Rahman on the way up. Rahman (45-7-2) immediately looked at Corona and caressed his brow, indicating he had been butted.
The round continued, however, with Toney landing two big rights in the last half.
When Rahman returned to his corner, blood trickled down his cheek. Before being questioned by Wallace, Rahman asked Corona if it was the end of the third round. Corona said he sensed Rahman was hoping the bout would be declared a no-contest due to the accidental head butt. Fights are typically ruled a no-contest if stopped by a referee before the fourth round because of an accidental injury.
“Rahman quit,” Corona said. “He was looking for another way [out].”
After the fight, Toney immediately called out International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization champion Wladimir Klitschko.
“Quit hiding those bums from me,” Toney said. “I’ll fight Klitschko and I’ll fight his sister.”
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