A DRAW THAT I SAW–THE RAHMAN VS TUA REMATCH
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By Ron Brashear
Inside Boxing Writer/Columnist

(IB – March 29, 2003) – In a fight where David Tua (42-3-1, 37 KOs), and ranked as the #3 IBF heavyweight contender, was perceived to be able to overpower the fading Hasim "The Rock" Rahman (35-4-1, 29 KO's). Well, it didn’t turn out to be that simple. On this night, despite weighing in heavier than expected at 259 lbs, Hasim “The Rock” Rahman displayed good boxing fundamentals by controlling this fight with his jab.

However, the outcome of Rahman’s labor only yielded a draw. Judge Bill Clancy had it 116-112 for Rahman, while Bob Grasso had it 116-112 for Tua, and George Hill had it 114-114 and therefore declared a draw. Was this fight really a draw? This is exactly how I saw it and I scored this fight 114-114. I gave Rahman the 1st four rounds by effectively using his jab, Tua coming on winning the middle rounds 5-8 with the more solid punches. I gave Rahman rounds 9 & 10 by re-establishing the jab, and Tua closing out with rounds 11 & 12 for a total of 6 rounds apiece.

Based on how this fight unfolded, I also saw a huge mistake made by Rahman choosing to coast the final round. This is actually what cost him the victory. We all know that all fighters feel that they are winning practically all of the rounds, even when they are close rounds. So this is where the corner’s value comes into play. I don’t want to bash Rahman’s corner however, I think once they look at the tape, they will see that strategy management cost them the win. You can’t assume how the judges are scoring the fight; it’s the last round, go out and seal the deal!

On a side note, the extra weight didn’t seem to hamper Rahman and as long as he stood in close with Tua and kept the jab in his face, this was an easy one-sided fight. It was when Tua was able to get Rahman’s back against the rope and unleash his powerful left hooks and right hands, the tide of the fight changed in favor of Tua.

In the end, this draw was actually positive for both fighters. In case they don’t get an immediate title shot, they now have the option of a trilogy between the two of them.


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Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@brasheargear.com