Toney win over Rahman changed to no decision

By Scottg

First here's the article :
The California State Athletic Commission changed its original decision on the James Toney-Hasim Rahman fight from a technical knockout to a no decision. Toney stopped Rahman in the third round of their July 16 rematch of former heavyweight champions in Temecula, Calif., after Rahman told the ringside doctor that he couldn’t continue because of a cut over his left eye. The original decision was a technical knockout win for Toney. Rahman later appealed, and after a review, the commission said Monday it was changing the technical knockout to a no decision, according to Bill Douglas of the state athletic commission.

Now my perspective; I watched this fight for the 12-round NABO Heavyweight Championship unfold. The first round was competative with Rahman scoring well and Toney who is a slow starter not doing much. But, in the second round James Toneys movement and counterpunching style started to give Rahman problems. This continued in the third round with Toney dominating and hurting Rahman more than once. The cut in question obviously came from an unintentional head butt as the replays showed. When the ringside doctor came to Rahmans corner after the third round to check the eye, he asked Rahman how he felt. Rahman told the doctor he could not see out of the eye. The doctor asked again if he could go and Rahman again told him he couldn't see out of his left eye. The doctor had no choice but to stop the fight. It was ruled at the time to my dismay that Rahman had quit and Toney was awarded the TKO and the title. Although I also agree that Rahman used the cut to get out of what was clearly a bad situation for him with Toney's speed taking over and dominating the fight. The rules are the rules. The cut came from an unintentional head butt as declared by the referee. It happened before the 4th round, and the fight was stopped before the 4th round, therefore it was a no decision. The crowd didn't like what he did and neither did I as far as using the cut to escape on his feet without a loss. I don't see Rahman getting many more paydays if he continues to display this kind of character. But as for the California State Athletic Commission. They got this one right...This time >>>