RAHMAN BEWARE

(INSIDE BOXING) - A dream came true for Hasim Rahman, a dream that every professional boxer dreams... To become Champion of the world and make a lot of money.  Rahman's dream became reality when he planted a picture perfect right hand on the jaw of Lennox Lewis.  Let the celebrations begin.

Rahman can now celebrate, enjoy his victory over Lewis and party like it's 1999.  Rahman deserves to be festive, he now put himself in a position to cash in on a multi million dollar payday!  How many millions depends on who brings what to the table.  Will it be Tyson and Showtime or will it be Lewis and HBO or will Don King take a stand and be heard.  Rahman now needs to be smart for the sneakiest of snakes might be in his own camp.

The highest bid may not necessarily be the best situation for Rahman.  Naturally Rahman's management want the highest dollar bid, their "cut" of Rahman's money will be greater.  Rahman needs to assess the situation very carefully and it would not hurt to have a strong legal council's advise.   

Should Rahman take a fight before honoring the rematch clause in his contract with Lennox Lewis and lose, then a rematch is worthless.  Lewis and HBO are certain to file lawsuits against Rahman.  Now it would be up to the legal system to decide whether or not Rahman is in breech of contract.  After all the sole purpose for a rematch clause in a championship contest is to give the champion an opportunity to regain his championship.

Who will finance the legal obligations Rahman will face.  And should Rahman lose the legal battle who will pay...  Rahman of course.  Do you think Rahman's management will donate their "cut" of the purse toward legal fee's, get real.

Bottom line is if Lewis' camp offers a similar dollar amount for a rematch as all others, then take it and be happy, don't worry.  If Rahman's management advises differently then Rahman should have his management agree to put their "cut" of revenues into an escrow account to be used for any legal obligations due to their advisement. 

What you see is not always what you get!  Instead of yelling "show me the money"  silently think "Let me keep my money".  Rahman beware and be smart.

-Blackbull-