HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION HITS "ROCK" BOTTOM

INSIDE BOXING - Hasim Rahman is now the WBC and IBF heavyweight champion of the world.  Rahman won the titles by knocking out Lennox Lewis in the fifth round of a twelve round championship bout held in South Africa.

In order to accommodate HBO and the US public the fight started early morning, shortly after 5:00 a.m. in South Africa.  The early morning start along with the high altitude of 5,200 foot would make tough fighting conditions.  Rahman arrived in Johannesburg a month before the fight where Lewis felt only two weeks was enough.

Regardless of what Lewis may say, he took this fight for granted after all Rahman is not considered championship material.  The fact however, is any man standing in front of you will knock you out if you let him hit you and that's exactly what happened.  Lewis was not ready, not prepared for conflict, this was apparent as he had his mouth open gasping for air in the second round.

Before you paint a pretty picture for Rahman let me say he looked pretty pathetic himself.  There was no domination by Rahman instead it looked like a toughman competition bout.  

Rahman was cut over the left eye and was looking for an excuse to lose the fight.  He kept wiping the cut with his glove and looking at it to see how bad it was bleeding.  In the corner he told his cornermen "Somebody tell the referee I was head butted".  Rahman was ready to quit but then a lucky right hand landed to the chin of Lewis that would have Lewis dazed and in retreat.  Not long after, a second Rahman right hand (and not a lucky one this time) would end the fight.

Reports will tell you Lewis did not make the count of ten but in fact the referee terminated the fight before ending the count.  Somewhere around the count of seven the referee saw and felt  Lewis was finished and moved in as to remove his mouth piece, at this time Lewis would fall back down to the canvas.  Therefore, Lewis would not have gotten up by the count of ten anyway.

There is a rematch clause in the contract but the question is, is it an immediate rematch.  If not, Lewis may find it difficult to regain his title back from Rahman.  If Rahman is allowed to have a title defense before a rematch with Lewis then the rematch may never happen.   Rahman is sure to lose to any top contender he meets.  Cincinnati defensive end Jevon Langford coming off his professional boxing pro debut will easily knock Rahman out.  

Look for Rahman to go to the highest bid.  Will Don King make a pitch for Holyfield or Ruiz?  Will Tyson make a move or will America Presents pursue a fight against David Tua or one their many heavyweights?

Is Rahman worthy and qualified to be heavyweight champion of the world?  Is does not matter, he was worthy enough to knock out the former champion Lewis and that's good enough.

-Blackbull-