Did Vitali duck Hasim Rahman in 2005?

[katjack]

At the time Rahman was on a good run and looked dangerous. We aren't talking about the used Rahman that fought Wlad much later. It sure seemed like Vitali didn't want to fight Rahman. Vitali probably would have beat Rahman, but he didn't know it at the time.

[Bravado]

What i remember most about Rahman is just being another live body. Lennox totally whitewashed him after bragging for weeks he was going to beat him again and that epitomized of his career. He was skilled, could hit and was pretty tough but like all people in sports who go off raw athleticism or physical gifts that once they're exposed they're just no longer threatening and Vitali would've beaten him quite easily anyway

[BattlingNelson]

He had an unfortunate string of severe injuries that led to several postponements followed by a cancellation and retirement. WBC then installed him as champion emeritus mening that if he made a full recovery from surgeries, he could get an immidiate shot at the champion and receive a favorable pursesplit.

The recovery process took 4 years and he came back with a dominant performance against the no. 2 ranked HW in the world reminiscent of Ali coming back against the no. 2 in Jerry Quarry.

[Daddy T]

nah he didn't duck him. He got injured.

[Weltschmerz]

I appreciate you guys telling it like it was.

[low_Bo]

Who are the twelve morons accusing Vitali of ducking that bum? Pure stupidity.

[Dr.Eisenfaust]

He had to go through 7 surgeries during his retirement. Vitali clearly didn't duck Rahman.

[slicksouthpaw16]

He would have torn Rachman up something fierce.

[beez721]

Prior to his original retirement, Vitali was scheduled to fight Rahman in 2005, before announcing his retirement. Was this a duck from Vitali's side? Some whispers has beeing going around the forums ever since, that Vitali actually ducked Rahman. Let's vote and get this clear!

hard to believe he would. the rock was tailor made for vitali