There are some real fighting words being thrown around for the August 12 pay-per-view rematch between WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman and mandatory challenger Oleg Maskaev.

In their previous fight, in 1999, Oleg Maskaev knocked Hasim Rahman out, AND out of the ring en route to a knockout victory.  Because of his concern for Rahman's safety, Maskaev is planning to petition the Nevada State Athletic Commission for extra padding on the arena floor around the ring to cushion the blow to Rahman's head when he is re-launched down and out!