Didn’t go for the PPV heist of the Hasim Rahman - Oleg Maskaev WBC title thing -  instead I patiently sat it out a week, and while in wait I took in all that was available from the reporting precincts.

Majority gave it nice reviews … said both fighters displayed courage, and spoke of hot exchanges. A few described it "best heavy title fight" in recent memory. Or, words to that effect.

Only person in the ring during the action catching flack, and deservedly so, was  Jay Nady, the same ref that once became celebrity when a bad mannered Zab Judah reached up and grabbed him by the ol’ stacking swivel - then, it is said, punctuated things by tossing a ring stool at the big fool.

But that’s old news, and I watched this one with interest - I just couldn’t envision a 37 year old semi-retired Oleg Maskaev, and a Hasim Rahman coming off a hug-a-thon with James Toney, making for an action thriller.

I’ll concede this one carried interest from start to finish - Rahman early with a good jab and later Maskaev having his moments - but I would suggest not betting the rent money on either new champ Oleg, or victim Hasim if sharing the dance floor with Klitschko or Lyakhovich - maybe ok if it the one known as the "Beast from the East" Valuev - but for now less said the better.

Oleg and Hasim at times, navigated the ring canvas as if dropped from that bridge over troubled waters Simon & Garfunkel once sang about - but both clearly earned respect for a tough and demanding honest night’s work.

Rahman‘s pill a bitter one - the poor guy never realized he had been down and being pummeled when nutty Nady pulled the plug.

A final passing thought about this Soviet dominated big guy division they talk about - I’m taking bets come summertime next, or earlier, the view from the top will have a more balanced mix of respective shareholders.

Guess is, the promo shout  will go something like "And then there was two" - as in Wlad Klitschko and Sergei Lyakovich  - but then, what do I know anyway?

GEL -

8-21-06