Boxing big boys return to action Saturday as HBO broadcasts the WBC Heavyweight title clash between interim champion Hasim Rahman and James "Light's Out" Toney, live from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. We've seen some great fights so far in 2006 with Pacquiao-Morales 2, Calzaghe-Lacy and Bell-Moremeck, and what we have here is a classic match-up of a power puncher versus a slick, counterpuncher. However, more importantly, it's the first significant heavyweight title fight of the year.

Hasim Rahman (41-5-1, 33 KOs), currently holds what's considered by most as the linear heavyweight title. Unfortunately, he didn't win the title but was rather given the title after Vitali Klitschko unexpectedly decided to retire a week before their fight last December. In his last fight, Rahman was pitted against good friend Monte Barrett, and it showed, as he won a boring 12 round unanimous decision to capture the WBC interim title. That sub-par performance, combined with his occasional weight issues and lack of credible opposition over the last three years would explain why he's nearly a 3-1 underdog at most online sportsbooks, despite coming in as the champion.

It's been nearly five years since that magical night in Carnival City, South Africa, where Rahman overcame odds of almost 10-1 to not only beat, but knockout then undisputed champion Lennox Lewis. Only seven months after that magical night though, Rahman fought Lewisagain, and the outcome was reversed. The loss to Lewis sent Rahman's career spiraling into obscurity, as he'd go 1-2-1 in his next four, losing a technical decision to the ancient Evander Holyfield, coming in 20 lbs overweight and having to settle for a draw against David Tua, losing an embarrassing hug fest to John Ruiz, and barely squeaking by journeyman heavyweight Al Cole. He's rebounded well from that stretch by winning five straight, but it's safe to say that most of his opponents were limited to say the least. Thursday afternoon, Hasim Rahman weighed in for Saturday's fight at a trim 238 lbs. Coincidently, when he won the title from Lennox Lewis in 2001, Rahman weighed 238 on the pound.

A crafty, defensive wizard, James Toney (69-4-2, 43 KOs), is one of the most skilled boxers the heavyweight division has seen in years. On his way to moving up to heavyweight, Toney won titles in the middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight divisions. In 1991, Toney shook the boxing world with a stunning comeback knockout of heavily favored IBF middleweight champion Michael Nunn. Last April was supposed to be Toney's shining moment when he faced off with WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz at the famed Madison Square Garden. Toney won a hard fought, unanimous decision, and was awarded with the belt after the fight. The reign wouldn't last long though as controversy would arise two days following the fight after it was discovered that Toney tested positive for a performance-enhancing steroid. The decision over Ruiz was then changed to a No-Contest, the WBA title was returned to Ruiz, and Toney was suspended for 90 days. He's since rebounded with a decision win over former prospect Dominick Guinn, but came in heavier than he did against Ruiz, and seemed to still be a bit discouraged by all that has happened.

At only 5'9 and weighing in for this fight at a career high, 237 lbs, Toney will have to get inside on Rahman if he has any chance off winning the title. Only question is, can James Toney take a heavyweight punch? He may have 69 wins to his credit, but the heavyweights on Toney's resume are far from credible. Evander Holyfield was way past his prime, Rydell Booker was a blown-up cruiserweight, Dominick Guinn didn't even put up a fight, and I've already explained the Ruiz debacle. In Rahman he's not only facing one of the biggest power punchers in the division, but also a very quick footed, and naturally bigger man.

Many questions will be answered this weekend. Can Toney handle a heavyweight punch? Can Rahman stay focused and not get frustrated against a slick boxer like Toney? Do either of these guys have what it takes to bring interest and excitement back to the heavyweight division? For Rahman to win, he'll need to get his heavy jab finding its range early. Once he finds range with the jab, the hardest right hand in the game is sure to follow. Toney needs to get inside and smother Rahman early on, as it seems Rahman's power doesn't seem to carry throughout a fight (Only 3 KOs past the 7th Round). This fight could honestly go either way. It seems that Toney is just too experienced for Rahman, who turned to boxing after playing football in college and spent only a very short stint in the amateurs, but he may be too small to hang for 12 rounds with the much larger Rahman.

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Current Odds:
James Toney to Win: -199
James Toney by KO or TKO: +250
James Toney by Decision: +125
Hasim Rahman to Win: +179
Hasim Rahman by KO or TKO: +450
Hasim Rahman by Decision: +375
Over 11.5 Rounds: -161
Under 11.5 Rounds: +151
Over 11.5 Rounds: -161
Under 11.5 Rounds: +151