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By CompuBox - On April 22, 2001 Hasim Rahman was regarded as a prohibitive underdog against WBC/IBF heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, then regarded by virtually every boxing scribe as the best big man in the world. This was the 10th defense of his second WBC title reign and his fifth bout since beating Evander Holyfield in their rematch. For the majority of observers, the most intriguing aspect of the Lewis-Rahman fight was the location – South Africa – but the fight itself was treated as an athletic afterthought.
In hindsight, the under-prepared Lewis saw the Rahman fight the same way and he ended up paying the ultimate price in the form of a one-punch fifth round KO that was later deemed Ring Magazine’s Upset of the Year.
Now, more than seven years later, the 36-year-old Rahman (45-6-2, 36 KO) will surely experience a case of déjà vu, at least situationally. On December 13 in Mannheim, Germany, “The Rock” will face 32-year-old IBF/WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko (51-3, 45 KO), considered by most as the premier heavyweight in the world. Rahman is a late sub for injured mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin and has been installed as a better than 9-1-to-1 underdog. [details]
In hindsight, the under-prepared Lewis saw the Rahman fight the same way and he ended up paying the ultimate price in the form of a one-punch fifth round KO that was later deemed Ring Magazine’s Upset of the Year.
Now, more than seven years later, the 36-year-old Rahman (45-6-2, 36 KO) will surely experience a case of déjà vu, at least situationally. On December 13 in Mannheim, Germany, “The Rock” will face 32-year-old IBF/WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko (51-3, 45 KO), considered by most as the premier heavyweight in the world. Rahman is a late sub for injured mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin and has been installed as a better than 9-1-to-1 underdog. [details]
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