By Don Colgan

Hasim Rahman’s uninspiring 12 round unanimous decision over Monte Barrett on August 13 achieved one significant result, it has clearly defined the two top heavyweights in the world, necessitating a championship bout in November that will leave the Klitschko-Rahman winner clearly positioned to claim the mantle of undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

From that perspective, it is the most meaningful development in the heavyweight division in several years.  The Klitschko-Rahman bout will attract international attention and focus on a heavyweight title bout unseen since Holyfield-Lewis. It will elevate both contestants and strengthen boxing itself. 

Klitschko has acquired the unofficial mantle as the world’s best heavyweight. He is a physically dominating fighter with ring skills that are a work in progress.  He is a dangerous puncher, can take it on the chin and possesses a jab that, although not Listonesque, is a formidable offensive weapon and real table setter for his right hand power, as was evidenced in his initial title defense last winter against Briton Danny Williams.

Is Vitali Lennox Lewis' heir apparent?  In light of the paper thin 2005 heavyweight class, the answer has to be yes.  His peers in the ring and the boxing press alike refuse to acknowledge his supremacy.  Is he an imposter occupying the top spot in a division barren of an Ali, Holmes, Norton, Tyson or Holyfield?  Or is he a champion on the threshold of dominance, a titleholder without equal in his weight class?

Klitschko needs this bout to validate his championship.  Rahman earned this bout on the strength of six successive victories, none of which warrant a title shot. There is no confusing Monte Barrett with Ken Norton or Mike Weaver. Hasim is 7-3 in his last ten bouts yet, by merit of his stunning one punch destruction of a near prime Lewis, he is a legitimate threat to regain the WBC championship and a serious title threat to Klitschko.

That being said, Klitschko will knock out Rahman in ten rounds or less.  Rahman is a physically dominating heavyweight with a slugger's punch.  He is game, he is tested and he is in his prime. Rahman may have done a passable imitation of Ingemar Johansson when he toppled Lewis with one crushing right. However, he is a capable journeyman at best with no more than a puncher's chance against the towering Ukrainian. 

This is Vitali’s magnificent opportunity to carve recognition and respect for his ring skills and legitimacy to his title reign. He has flown under the radar for three years, having done a poor job of marketing himself as a true successor to Lewis.

Boxing is in a state of recovery in 2005. It has been pronounced dead on several occasions.  Always a dynamic figure arose in boxing’s darkest hour to breathe life into the sweet science.  The arrival of hobo tough Jack Dempsey in the roaring 20’s, accented a golden era in American sports during the 1920’s.  Louis’ dignity in the face of the Nazi threat during World War II brought honor not only to Joe, it brought honor to boxing.  After organized crime thoroughly infiltrated boxing during the 1950’s boxing staggered again, only to be bolstered by the magnificent Sugar Ray and Marciano.  Ali, of course, inspired millions and took the heavyweight championship around the globe, attracting and sustaining a worldwide audience and heretofore unheard of popularity for boxing.

Klitschko has a great opportunity before him. He should enjoy a reasonably long reign and his finest ring moments lay before him. There isn’t a heavyweight contender his equal.  Chris Byrd, John Ruiz, Rahman and James Toney are not championship caliber opposition. True talent is emergent in the heavyweight class and Vitali will be hard pressed to sustain his title reign over the next two years. 

Vitali should be a visible, fighting champion. He should defend the championship in the United States, making his title defenses in Madison Square Garden, Las Vegas or Atlantic City.  The boxing public is thirsting for explosive matches, compelling fistic debate and for a competitive, dynamic heavyweight class.  This is boxing’s opportunity to leave the decadent Tyson era, and all of the destruction is wrought upon this great sport, behind.

Vitali Klitschko can be the catalyst for the recovery of boxing!

His time has arrived. He will stop Hasim Rahman and emerge as the dominant heavyweight of our time.