Wait a Minute, James Toney and Hasim Rahman Are Still Boxing?

Yes, James Toney is still alive. 

It was announced this past week that James Toney (70-6-3, 43 KOs) will face Hasim Rahman (45-6-2, 36 KOs) in a heavyweight bout set for July 16th. I could have sworn I was reading a headline from five years ago, but no there it was, right in front of me. The headline for a candidate for worst fight of the year. I think we point to instances such as these to explain why no one cares what is going on in the once great heavyweight division.

Last time I saw Toney in the ring (see above) it looked like he just finished snacking on one of the card girls and was quite possibly the first time he had moved in months.  I am sure now that he has had an entire year layoff that he is going to be in prime condition for this fight being taken on a month and half notice. Lets not forget the two recent instances of positive steroid tests as well (could have fooled me though, I was under the impression they had a bit of a different effect).  

Rahman (see left with the alien spawn pulsating from his brain) 

doesn't have too much to offer either.  He is two years younger than Toney (Toney  40 yrs and Rahman 38 yrs so I don't know if I should be throwing around the word young so carelessly) and has been trying to stage a comeback this past year. 

Both fighters have probably seen there day in side the ropes. But that's not how Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank sees it - "I think they're both marquee names, but they are at a crossroads in their careers" (maybe a little bit of an understatement there buddy) "... The winner of this fight should be given an opportunity to fight for one of the titles." Titles? This guy has got to be joking if he thinks that winning this fight should propel anyone to a title shot. The only thing the winner of this fight should get is a piece of cake at his retirement party (or 3 cakes for Toney).