Rahman has a Genuine Chance in Dethroning the Giant Ukrainian
by Robin York
2/24 - Madison Square Garden is the arena for what could be a dramatic fight between the WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko and former champion Hasim Rahman. The fight is scheduled to take place on April 30th and it looks like being an explosive contest. It's the type of fight the heavyweight division needs, a good champion against a challenger who has a genuine chance.
Since losing to John Ruiz for the WBA interim title, "The Rock" has kept himself very active with 5 wins in 2004 including a 4 round pummelling of the Aussie Kali Meehan who had taken WBO Heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster the distance in a close fight.
Rahman has been at the top before, he flattened Lennox Lewis in South Africa in April of 2001 to become WBC/IBF Heavyweight champion in a big upset. But it was short lived as Lewis knocked Rahman spark out in their rematch with a massive right hand just seven months later.
What followed was a bit of a slump in Rahman's career, he was forced to retire at the end of round eight against Evander Holyfield due to a huge swelling over his eye, it was arguably Holyfields last positive performance.
Rahman then set about avenging his first pro loss to David Tua but was held to a controversial draw and then came the dismal loss to WBA champion John Ruiz.
Despite his setbacks, Rahman has a genuine chance in dethroning the giant Ukrainian, arguably in the best form of his career and knowing this could be his last chance at regaining his former glories. Klistchko's size and awkward leaning back style will provide any heavyweight with problems, just ask Danny Williams, but Rahman I believe is a harder puncher than Vitali, but not as consistent.
The more I have watched Klitschko it seems that the way to beat him is to stand off at let him come to you. Williams went looking for him and was picked off repeatedly. Corrie Sander on the other hand waited for Vitali to come to him and nailed him with some left hooks.
I really believe Rahman can do it. He may end up falling behind on the scorecards but I believe Rahman will let go with his right hand haymakers and somewhere along the line one of them is going to land big.
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