Hasim Rahman is a world famous African-American athlete, boxer, champion in the heavyweight category according to the WBC, IBF and IBO. He had a total of 61 fights, 50 of which he won, 8 ended in defeat, 2 were drawn, and 1 was cancelled.

Hasim Rahman: biography

The future champion was born in 1972 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. In addition to Hasim, there were 8 more brothers and 3 sisters. From childhood, the boy was distinguished by a sharp mind and abilities for the sciences, inherited from his father, an engineer. Hasim loved to study and even completed several classes as an external student. However, peers mocked and offended him, so he often participated in fights. Having matured a little and tired of ridicule, Rahman began to skip classes and was expelled from school. Not lacking funds, the future athlete led a hectic life and did not worry about anything.

At the age of 18, Hasim Rahman became a father, his son was born. This event made the young man rethink his life values ​​and take responsibility for the family. He made the decision to graduate from high school and go to college in Baltimore.

The first steps in a sports career

Simultaneously with the advent of the family, sports broke into the life of Rahman Hasim. The guy starts boxing and even takes part in amateur fights in the vicinity of his city. One of Rahman's defeated rivals was so impressed with his victory that he recommended the Mike Lewis Gym for training and advised him to develop his sports career. Already after the first 10 amateur fights, Hasim Rahman switched to professional sports. He made his debut in 1994 and won 28 consecutive victories in 4 years.

First defeat

In 1998, Hasim Rahman faced his first serious fight with world-class athlete from New Zealand David Tua. He was the best according to IBF and once again confirmed his title. For 8 rounds of the fight, Rahman was ahead. At the very beginning of the 9th round, he missed a powerful blow from an opponent, after which he could not fully recover. The fight ended in round 10 as the judges deemed Rahman unable to continue. Perhaps this decision was premature.

Defeated but not broken

We must pay tribute to Hasim Rahman for his unbending character and willpower. After losing the fight against David Tua, the boxer was able to win two consecutive victories over Mike Rach and Art Weathers. These were two consecutive knockouts.

At the end of 1999, Hasim Rahman had a serious meeting with another world-class boxer - Russian Oleg Maskaev. The fight was exhausting, and in the 8th round Rahman missed a blow of such force that he simply flew out of the ropes. Naturally, after that, there was no talk of any continuation of the fight. When the boxer was able to get to his feet, he climbed into the ring to congratulate his opponent on a worthy victory.

The return and triumph of Hasim Rahman

In 2000, Hasim Rahman continued to actively train, despite such an insulting defeat from Oleg Maskaev. During the year, he won three victories, thanks to which he earned the right to fight with Lenox Lewis himself.

The beginning of 2001 was truly triumphant for Rahman. On April 21, 2001, the title fight took place, and a sensational victory over Lewis. Hasim Rahman knocked out For the first time in his career, a boxer became a heavyweight champion simultaneously in three versions of the WBC, IBF and IBO.

Lewis, of course, could not bear the insult and demanded revenge, which he received at the end of the same 2001. However, Hasim Rahman's knockouts cannot be ignored, especially in this fight when the odds against him were 1:20.

A worthy opponent with a worldwide reputation

In the years that followed, Hasim Rahman had the opportunity to fight more fights against world-class boxers in the heavyweight division. In 2002, on June 1, a fight took place between Hasim Rahman and former champion Evander Holyfield. The rivals were approximately equal in strength, but Holyfield had speed, great endurance and experience, which Rahman, unfortunately, lacked. The fight was very exciting, the boxers were constantly exchanging blows and using different fighting tactics. However, shortly before the end of the fight due to a hematoma on Rahman's head, the fight was stopped. Holyfield won on points. They note that it was practically the best fight in the career of the latter.

Revanches. What didn't work?

In March 2003, Hasim Rahman met again in the ring to get revenge for his last defeat. Rahman spent all 12 rounds of the fight, never missing a serious blow, however, the judges considered the opponents to be equal and awarded a draw. According to many, this was a controversial decision.

The meeting in 2006 with Oleg Maskaev also did not bring the result expected by Rakhman. The boxer was again knocked out in the 4th round, having failed to defeat the famous Russian boxer.

Fights with rivals from the CIS

Hasim Rahman is a world-famous boxer, but, unfortunately, he had no luck with opponents from the CIS countries. In the period from 2008 to 2011, he had to fight the Slavs twice.

In 2008, Rahman's next fight took place. This time the opponent was Wladimir Klitschko, known for his left hand strike. Klitschko's tactic has always been quick left punches and then powerful right punches. Hasim Rahman earned his nickname "The Rock" for a reason. Although he has great physical strength, he does not differ in great speed. Having exhausted Rahman for 7 rounds and knocked him down more than once, Klitschko won by technical knockout.

Another representative of the CIS accepted the challenge to fight in 2011. Hasim Rahman was very responsibly and intensely preparing for this fight. Nevertheless, Povetkin was faster. His tactics of swift attacks worked perfectly. The fight ended with a technical knockout and the victory of Alexander Povetkin.

Tactics and strategy

It is worth noting that the fights involving Hasim Rahman are almost always spectacular and varied. Since Rahman is not a tactician by nature, he does not have a clear plan of action and his own special manner of fighting. His main trump card and advantage is the ability to adapt to the enemy, improvise, and navigate the situation. A truly great and powerful boxer is Hasim Rahman. The photo in the article shows us his physical strength and vitality. He really loves his work and puts all his strength into it to please the viewer.

The only exception to the rule was the fight with Johnny Ruiz, which took place in 2003. Boxing fans dubbed it "the most boring fight of 2003". Ruiz's victory on points came as a surprise to all fans.

In all life situations, in victories and defeats, Hasim Rahman is supported by his wife and three children. Perhaps it is they who give him the strength to continue playing sports and not break down.

Hasim Rahman / Photo: Associated Press

November 7 marks the 41st anniversary of one of the most famous American boxers, Hasim Rahman (50-8-2, 41 KOs).

In connection with this event, website remembered five most commemorative fights of this boxer.

Rival- Oleg Maskaev (Russia)

Where- New Jersey (USA)

The result of the battle- Maskaev's victory by knockout in the 8th round

Description

In November 1999, Rahman met with Russian Oleg Maskaev. During the fight, Rahman dominated, but unexpectedly in the 8th round, Maskaev made a right cross to the jaw, and Rahman fell out of the ring. He fell to the floor between timekeeper and HBO broadcaster Jim Lampley.

Rival- Lennox Lewis (Great Britain)

Where- Gauteng (South Africa)

The result of the battle- Rahman's victory by knockout in the 5th round in a 12-round fight

Description

In April 2001, Lewis entered the ring against Hasim Rahman. It was a voluntary defense. At the end of the 5th round, Rahman threw a few left jab to the head. Lewis moved to the ropes. Rahman made a right cross to the opponent's jaw. Then Lewis instantly collapsed onto the canvas. At the count of 10, he was still on the canvas.

Rival- Wladimir Klitschko (Ukraine)

Where- Mannheim (Germany)

The result of the battle- Klitschko's victory by technical knockout in the 7th round in a 12-round fight

Description

The fight turned out to be unequal, Vladimir clearly dominated throughout the fight. Rahman was knocked down, and at the beginning of the 7th round he could no longer defend himself from Klitschko's blows, after which the judge stopped the fight. Wladimir Klitschko won by technical knockout.

Rival- James Toney (USA)

Where- New Jersey (USA)

The result of the battle- Draw by majority decision

Description

In March 2006, a fight took place between Rahman and James Toney. The more technical Tony constantly used his unique defense, but did not really hit. According to the results of 12 rounds, the judges awarded a draw by a majority of votes. In the United States, they believed that the victory was stolen from Rahman, while in Russia they considered that Tony won.

Rival- Alexander Povetkin (Russia)

Where- Hamburg, Germany)

The result of the battle- Victory of Alexander Povetkin by technical knockout in the second round

Description

Rahman entered the title fight with Alexander Povetkin. The American lost weight, but his form left much to be desired. The first round passed with the advantage of the Russian boxer. And in the middle of the second round, Povetkin began to beat Rahman. Povetkin carried out two accurate blows, which greatly shocked the American. Rahman tilted his head back and grabbed the ropes with his right hand to keep from falling. The referee immediately intervened and stopped the fight.

April 21, 2001 there was a sensation. Hasim Rahman became the world heavyweight champion among professional boxers according to WBC, IBF and IBO, defeating Lennox Lewis.

The new champion was born on November 7, 1972 in the American city of Baltimore, Maryland in a black family. Hasim started boxing only at the age of 20, but after 10 fights held in the amateur ring, he switched to professionals. This happened in 1994. Winning one victory after another in the professional ring, Rahman brought their number to 28.

The first fight with a boxer from the elite of professional boxing was the fight between Hasim Rahman and IBF number one New Zealand boxer David Tua on December 19, 1998. Throughout the fight, Hasim dominated the ring, but in the 9th round, after the gong, David Tua struck Rahman with the strongest blow. Apparently, after this blow, Hasim could not recover, and in the 10th round the fight was stopped, although many experts believe that this was done prematurely.

After this defeat, Hasim Rahman easily scored two knockout victories in the fifth and first rounds, respectively, over Michael Rach and Art Weathers, but the most offensive defeat was yet to come. On November 6, 1999, just before Khasim's birthday, he was to meet in Atlantic City with the Russian version of the Canadian George Chuvalo Oleg Maskaev. In the eighth round of this fight, Rahman missed a terrible blow, after which his body flew out of the ring, sweeping away the monitor of HBO commentator Jim Lampley. It took Rahman a few minutes to recover and climb into the ring to congratulate the winner. Later, the blow of Oleg Maskaev will be named the blow of the year.

To the credit of the future champion, the defeat did not break him. During the next year, he scored three victories, which allowed him to qualify for a fight with Lennox Lewis. True, Hasim's chances of winning were regarded as 1:20, but let's not forget that the chances of Leon Spinks in the fight against Muhammad Ali and James Douglas against Mike Tyson were also small, but still they won and made their names in the history of professional boxing . Not every boxer in his career gets the right to hold a title fight, and if there is a chance, he must try to use it.

The fight took place in South African Johannesburg. The first four rounds were narrowly dominated by Lewis. Taking advantage of the fact that he is taller than Hasim and has longer arms, the champion did not show much initiative, but offered Rahman to do this, periodically punching him on the waste. But in the fifth round, the Englishman suddenly misses the strongest blow of Hasim Rahman, Lennox Lewis loses the ring under his feet, and with it all the championship belts.

Now, after a relative calm, intrigue reappears in the realm of heavyweights. Literally minutes after the victory, Hashima's manager is already contacting Mike Tyson's manager to arrange a fight. April 23 Iron Mike states: "I have never hidden that I want to regain the title of absolute champion, which I first won 15 years ago. As far as I know, Mr. Rahman is not bound by any obligations, and I accept his challenge. Our fight can take place in the near future." When Lewis offered a rematch, Rahman's coach Stan Hoffman said he would fight someone else first. "And if after that Lewis insists on a rematch, we will respond to this demand - in about a year."

Perhaps now there is a chance to meet with Lennox Lewis from the WBO world champion Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko, because. Tyson would never agree to a fight with him now, and a fight with Klitschko was planned in the reserve.

Best of the day

Being on camera is fun

, called The Rock, participated in 61 fights, of which 50 ended in victory for him, 41 he won by knockout. There are also 8 unsuccessful matches, 2 draws and 1 match was cancelled. Debuted in professional boxing December 3, 1994.

Fights Hasim Rahman with the main rivals

• David Tua
• Oleg Maskaev
• Corrie Sanders
• Lennox Lewis
• Evander Holyfield
• Kali Mien
• Vladimir Klichko
• Alexander Povetkin

Controversial defeat

Enemy David Tua

Qualifying bout for IBF title in heavy weight.

The fights of Hasim Rahman are distinguished by his special mobility. Rahman led the fight, but what happened in the 9th round took a lot of strength from him later. Tua began to attack and delivered several blows, the last one falling into Hasim's jaw after the gong sounded, he had to lean on the ropes. Immediately the referee intervened, Rahman staggered to his corner - he was shocked by the last blow. At the 10th round, the referee stopped the fight, as Tua finished off the opponent, pressed to the ropes. Rahman was outraged by this decision and pushed the referee, which is not desirable, and even prohibited.

In the next fight, which took place between these boxers five years later, Hasim defended well, was active, but he could not deliver especially dangerous blows, not counting Tua's broken nose. They boxed all 12 rounds, and at the end it turned out that the judges scored the fight a draw. Some pundits considered Rahman the winner. The decision of the judges caused discontent and controversy.

Two fights - two defeats

Hasim Rahman - Oleg Maskaev

After the incident that happened in the ring that evening, Hasim Rahman's fights became popular even in circles that do not like boxing. In the 3rd round, Maskaev pins Rakhman to the ropes and delivers several punches, many of which are right on target. Unexpectedly, in the active heat of the fight near the ropes, Oleg knocks out Khasim so that he fell out of the ring right on the floor, after which he did not get up for a couple of minutes while the doctor examined him. A skirmish began in the hall, and in the ring, meanwhile Oleg Maskaev rejoiced at the victory with your team.

The second meeting of athletes, which took place in WBC title in heavyweight (Rahman's 2nd defense) 7 years later, ended in the 12th round. Two boxers, completely exhausted, both on their way to the floor, unable to even throw punches. But apparently Oleg has a little more endurance, if he almost pushed Hasim out of the ring twice again. The referee stopped the fight, victory by knockout for Oleg Maskaev. Hasim Rahman's fights with Maskaev both ended in defeat.

Knockdown after knockdown

Rating fight.

The fight started with action from both sides, taking turns cornering each other, and in the second round, Sanders landed some serious punches. In the third, they again took turns in the corner, and Hasim was knocked down on the ropes. Less than 30 seconds later, Sanders was knocked down. Having reached the 7th round, Sanders was unable to withstand the blows, and the fight was stopped on the command of the referee. Victory by technical knockout. Hasim Rahman's fights are always varied.

Legendary fight

Hasim Rahman - Lennox Lewis

Championship fight for WBC title heavyweight (Lewis' 10th defense); championship fight for IBF title heavyweight (Lewis' 4th defense); championship fight for IBO title in the heavyweight division (Lewis' 4th defense).

The bout was titled "upset of the year" as described in the commentary for the bout in The Ring magazine. The legendary Lennox Lewis was knocked out by Hasim Rahman in the 5th round. Lewis immediately demanded a rematch, but Rahman's team refused. Lewis showed perseverance and achieved revenge through the court, despite the fact that the outcome of the battle was not controversial.

During the second meeting, Lewis wrested his title from Hasim. He put him in the ring in the 4th round with left and right serves to the jaw.

dangerous collision

Qualifying fight for the WBA heavyweight title.

Hasim and Evander inadvertently bumped into each other with their foreheads, from this Hasim appeared swelling on the forehead. After the recommendation of the doctor, the fight was abandoned, as he complained of fogging. According to the calculations of the judges, Hasim won, to the general discontent of the hall, but Holyfield won.

TKO

Hasim Rahman - Kali Mien

Qualifying bout for WBC title in the heavyweight division; qualifying bout for WBA title in heavy weight; qualifying bout for IBF title in heavy weight.

For the first three rounds, Hasim exhausted Mien very much, and in the fourth he beat him to a complete loss of strength, surprisingly the referee did not consider it necessary to stop the fight, this was done by Kali's coach before the fifth round, since it was difficult for Mien to even reach his corner. Rahman was awarded the victory by technical knockout.

Left hand tactics

Hasim Rahman - Wladimir Klitschko

Championship fight for IBF title in heavyweight (6th defense of Klitschko); championship fight for WBO title in the heavyweight (2nd defense of Klitschko); championship fight for IBO title in heavyweight (Klitschko's 6th defense).

The fight began and continued at a long distance - this is the preferred fight for both athletes. Klitschko wore down Hasim with his front left hand, which constantly pierced the defense, and after it flew a stronger right fist. Rahman could not do anything against such tactics of Vladimir, and in the third round he was pressed against the ropes point-blank, all that remained was to put blocks, but Klitschko also punched through them. Rahman was knocked down throughout the fight, he hardly, but still got up, and in the 7th round Vladimir won by technical knockout.

Can't resist the speed

Hasim Rahman - Alexander Povetkin

duel for world champion title.

The duel between the experienced American boxer Hasim Rahman and the very fast Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin ended ahead of schedule by technical knockout. In the first round, Povetkin showed his advantage, and in the second he proved it by pinning Rahman to the ropes. Inflicted several heavy and dangerous blows, only holding on to the ropes Hasim was able to stay on his feet, but it was already useless - the referee stopped the fight. Hasim Rahman fights with boxers from the CIS countries are not always successful.

The fights of Hasim Rahman are distinguished by tactics that do not exist - he adapts to the tactics of the enemy and acts from it. To some extent, this is a huge advantage, as it turns out that he is diverse in the ring.

In this section you can watch all the fights of Hasim Rahman for his career in professional boxing .

Data:

Height: 189 cm

Weight: 101 kg.

Attack distance: 205 cm.

Current result: 35 Wins (29 by KO), 4 Losses, 1 Draw

Titles:

• IBF Intercontinental Heavyweight 1997-98
• USBA Heavyweight 1997-98
• WBU Heavyweight 2000
• IBO, IBF, WBO Heavyweight 2001
• Undisputed (WBC/WBA/IBF) Heavyweight champion: 2001

You can compare famous boxers - what path they went through in order to rise to the very top, what they are like in everyday life and how they behave when they become world champions. And if in the case of most boxers you will find a lot in common, then with Hasim Rahman you will find 'disappointment' - his story is unique.

Hasim was born on November 7, 1972 into a middle-class family - his parents worked as engineers. In addition to parents, the family consisted of 8 brothers and 3 sisters. Having inherited his father's penchant for science, Hasim excelled in mathematics - during his time at Cherry Hill School he was (in some ways) a child prodigy and quickly jumped from one class to another, being a year older. 'For a certain time I was the ugly duckling', Hasim says with a grin, 'I often got hit by older classmates.' his level, new classmates met the newcomer unfriendly and brawls regularly broke out in the school yard with the participation of Rahman. After Hasim moved to West Baltimore, he decides to change his image in order to avoid the problems with the fights that haunt him in the old school. ‘I decided to just be the bad guy so no one would think of bullying. At the new school, I also showed excellent results and I was offered to transfer to a group of students receiving encouragement for excellent studies, but I refused, fearing a repeat of the carnage that took place at my old school.’

Growing up, Hasim became a real bad guy - he fought, drove in stolen cars and skipped school. It all ended with the fact that he was simply expelled, like most of his friends. ‘My father had his own engineering company, so I didn’t worry about getting a job in case I got tired of wandering the streets.’

Career Hasim Rahman

Everything changed when Hasim turned 18. ‘I had a son and everything was completely different. My mom always said that I have to become a person and achieve something worthwhile, and I realized that I must become a better person and raise my child. Actually, I had a baby because I didn't even think I'd live to be 21. I just wanted to have a child and that's it, but when I had it, my life changed, I realized that I had no right to leave him without a father.' Hasim finishes school and goes to Baltimore College: 'I had to go to to remember everything that I managed to launch, but I felt the help of God and I was sure that He was with me even in bad times.' By that time, Hasim became interested in boxing and, just like in science, he was good at it. Once he had to go against the best boxer in his area and the fight ended in favor of Hasim.

‘I was stronger and he advised me to go train at the Mike Lewis Gym. I will never forget his words. You can make a million dollars with your fists, he told me.' These words became prophetic - Hasim began going to the gym (and trains there to this day), his first fight took place on December 3, 1994 at the age of 20 years. He won 29 fights in a row and won the United States Boxing Association and Intercontinental International Boxing Federation heavyweight titles. All of these titles were on the line when Hasim entered the ring against New Zealander Davis Tua on December 19, 1998. Every round, up to the ninth, Hasim confidently won on points, after which he missed Tua's famous left hook (to my credit, it must be said that the blow was already after the gong).

The result is the loss of all titles. After that, two victories followed, and after them Oleg Maskaev taught Khasim a lesson in attention and behavior in the wheelhouse. Winning by rounds, Hasim entered the wheelhouse, where Oleg felt more comfortable, and Rahman apparently gaped again and woke up already outside the ring, lying and not understanding what had happened. ‘I saw Maskaev knocked out in the first round by Oliver McCall and I thought it would be an easy opponent. I underestimated him and did not even seriously prepare, I will not allow this to happen again.

‘With 33 wins and just 2 losses, Hasim entered the 21st century. He defeated three more opponents and got a chance to fight Lennox Lewis for what any boxer dreams of - the championship belt. Lewis approached training freely and even took part in the filming of the film, while Rahman did not allow himself a single moment of relaxation (Maskaev's lesson is now always in his memory). For his diligence and diligence, he was rewarded, in the fifth round he brought down such a force on Lewis's head that the great Lennox was in a 'boxing coma' for a long time. The victory was also notable for the fact that since 1994 no one could beat Lewis, after so many years such luck smiled at Rahman. ‘For the entire fight, I didn’t let my nerves get the better of me. Lewis tried to come out and dictate the terms of the fight to me, but I did not give him such pleasure. After winning, many asked me if I would go to Disneyland, I answered no, I'm going to Mecca.'

The rematch with Lennox Lewis failed and Hasim had to be defeated, but he does not lose heart and continues to train hard and hope to become a champion again. In this he is helped by his family - his wife Crystal and three children.

Video: Fight Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Lewis II