Toney: I am the best

Three-weight champion defeats old rival

Last updated: 17th July 2008

Toney: I am the best

Toney: Stopped Rahman

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James Toney moved his way back into contention for another shot at the world heavyweight title after stopping Hasim Rahman in three rounds.

Toney, who has won IBF world titles at middleweight, super-middleweight and cruiserweight, has previously fought for the heavyweight crown on two occasions.

His clash with John Ruiz in 2005 ended in a points victory, only for Toney to be stripped of the WBA title for failing a drugs test.

He then fought Rahman the following year for the WBC title, but a lacklustre fight saw the bout end in a draw.

However Toney bounced back from that performance by stopping Rahman in three rounds in California.

Rahman, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in 2001, suffered a cut above his left eye after a clash of heads.

Counter

And following discussions with the ringside doctor he announced he couldn't continue.

"I'm not going to fight with one eye," Rahman said. "I couldn't see the punches."

Toney, who landed several big counter rights, believes the victory underlines his place as the No.1 heavyweight.

"I made him quit," Toney said. "I'm the best heavyweight fighter in the world."