By Mark Vester
In an interview with South Africa's IOL, WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman made it clear that IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko is on his mind and he is also the next fighter he wants to meet in the ring.
"Klitschko is on my mind. He's the guy everybody says is the only other guy. That's the guy I want to fight. That's what the division needs for clarity. I'm not interested in the other two belts. Nobody can defend all four anyway with all the mandatories," Rahman said.
Rahman's promoter Bob Arum is trying to secure a fight with Klitschko for next April.
First Rahman has to face Oleg Maskaev on August 12 in Las Vegas Nevada, a rematch of their 1999 bout which Maskaev won by way of a 9th round knockout. Rahman is feeling the pressure of being the only American fighter with a heavyweight title, the other three major titles are owned by fighters from former Soviet Union nations.
"They are trying to get a clean sweep. They're sending me out there. I need to hold it down for my country. Never before have I felt like I put my country on my back. I can't allow this to happen. I can't allow them to have a clean sweep. I get to defend my title, avenge a loss and hold it down for my country," Rahman said.
Rahman responded to recent reports that Maskaev wants extra padding on the ring floor to ensure that Rahman does not injury himself when Maskaev knocks him out of the ring. A mental knock by Maskaev, who is making Rahman remember the last time they met, and how he knocked him out of the ring in the ninth round to win.
"I don't need any more motivation. Maskaev took more punches in that fight than me. Who are the pads needed for? Maskaev is not a better fighter. I've fought better against better competition than he has since then. If his feelings are hurt, his feelings are hurt. His body is going to hurt on the 12th."
