Hasim Rahman

Biography

Born on November 7, 1972, in the tough streets of Baltimore, Maryland, Hasim Sharif Rahman's early life was far from easy. As a teenager, he found himself entangled in the world of drug dealing, working as an enforcer and surviving multiple shootings and a devastating car accident that left him with permanent scars. However, it was in the ring where Rahman found his true calling, and at the age of 20, he began his journey to become one of the most notable heavyweights of his era.

Rahman's professional career began in 1994, and despite his late start, he quickly made an impact, winning his first 11 fights by knockout. His natural talent and raw power were evident, but he faced challenges. In 1998, he suffered a controversial TKO loss against David Tua, but this setback only fueled his determination to reach the top.

Three years later, Rahman's perseverance paid off when he faced Lennox Lewis for the unified WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles. In a shocking upset, Rahman knocked out Lewis in the fifth round, becoming the new heavyweight champion and etching his name in boxing history. However, Lewis would even the score in a rematch later that year, regaining his titles by knocking out Rahman.

The loss to Lewis marked the beginning of a turbulent period in Rahman's career, as he suffered defeats against Evander Holyfield and John Ruiz. But "The Rock" was far from finished. In 2005, he earned the interim WBC heavyweight title by defeating Monte Barrett and was later elevated to full champion status when Vitali Klitschko retired.

Rahman's second reign at the top was brief. In 2006, he lost the WBC title to Oleg Maskaev in a rematch of their bout from seven years earlier. From then on, Rahman's career was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. He suffered losses to James Toney and Wladimir Klitschko but also managed to string together wins against lesser-known opponents.

In the twilight of his career, Rahman made several comeback attempts, always seeking another shot at heavyweight glory. His final opportunity came in 2012 against Alexander Povetkin, but a second-round TKO loss signalled that his time at the top had ended. Rahman's last fight, a quarter-final loss in the Super 8 Tournament 2014, marked the end of a career spanning two decades.

Rahman displayed a unique blend of power, resilience, and determination throughout his journey. His ability to overcome the odds in life and the ring made him a fan favourite and a respected figure in the boxing community. While ups and downs may have marked his career, Hasim Rahman's impact on the heavyweight division and his unlikely rise from the streets of Baltimore to the world stage will always be remembered as one of boxing's most inspiring tales.