Sharkie’s Machine - Heartbreak and Headache for Rahman

By Frank Gonzalez Jr.

June 3rd, 2002 - This Saturday in Atlantic City N.J. former one-time Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman (35-3-0-29 KO’s) faced former, four-time World Champion, Evander Holyfield (37-5-2-25 KO’s), in a 12 round Heavyweight Eliminator bout to determine the WBA’s mandatory challenger for the winner of John Ruiz vs. Kirk Johnson. If Ruiz wins over Johnson, this could mean ANOTHER Holyfield vs. Ruiz contest that I’m sure we’ve all had enough of already. But there are a few interesting parameters here.

Holyfield has been fighting professionally for 17 years now. After Holyfield’s famous wars with former Champion, Riddick Bowe, losing in 1992 by Unanimous Decision, then winning a Majority Decision in ‘93 and then, losing to Bowe again in ’95 by TKO in the eighth round, I felt Holyfield was approaching the twilight of his Boxing career. But, he looked to be on a mission when he avenged his 1994 loss to Michael Moorer in 1997, knocking Moorer down five times in that fight leading to a TKO victory followed by a disappearing act by Michael Moorer.

When he was scheduled to fight Mike Tyson the first time, many fans were saying Holyfield was past his prime and ready for retirement. He proved them wrong. Evander knocked out Tyson in the 11th round of the first fight in November of 1996 in a fight he thoroughly dominated. Then in a rematch in 1997, Tyson was disqualified for biting both of Holyfield’s ears, supposedly in retaliation for Evander’s head butting. After that disgraceful affair, remembered mostly by Tyson’s despicable, unsportsman-like conduct, fans learned one thing; don’t ever count Evander Holyfield out!

In 1998, he struggled against a mediocre Vaughn Bean in an unimpressive Unanimous Decision win in front of his hometown fans in Atlanta Georgia.

Things got worse from there as Holyfield took on current Heavyweight Champion; Lennox Lewis in March of 1999, where everyone who saw the fight thought Lewis won. Everyone save two of the Judges, who scored it mysteriously, 115-115, rendering a Draw. In a rematch with Lewis later that year, Holyfield did better than the first fight, but just not enough to win, he lost by a Unanimous Decision that was a bit controversial as Lewis didn’t dominate him as he’d done in the first fight.

Holyfield has nothing left to prove, he was a great Champion in the 1990’s and has lived up to his nickname, “The Warrior.” Coming into this fight with Rahman, he sported a 1-2-2 record in his last five fights, not a good sign. Three of those five fights were against the lightly regarded, current WBA Champion, John Ruiz and two to Lennox Lewis, one draw and one loss. I confess to being one of the many who felt its in Evander’s best interest to retire from the sport that has brought him glory, fame and great wealth, while securing his honorable place in Boxing history.

Hasim Rahman is a ‘middle of the road’ Heavyweight who’s best weapon was always his big right hand. He had his ‘15 minutes of fame’ when he knocked out current Champion, Lennox Lewis in South Africa in April of 2001 in a fight where Lewis’ cockiness and lack of respect for his opponent cost him big-time. In November, Lewis avenged the loss with a 4th round knockout in a fight that Lennox dominated from the start.

All of Rahman’s previous losses came by way of knockout. He was TKO’d by David Tua in 1998 in a controversial stoppage in round 10. He was knocked out of the ring by Oleg Maskaev in 1999 and later suffered the brutal revenge knockout at the hands of Lewis.

Citing personal problems with his former trainer, Rahman hired Bernard Hopkins former trainer, the well-respected Bowie Fisher. At age 29, Rahman still seemed capable of improving his craft and hopeful of future success. Against mediocre opponents, Rahman has been prosperous, but against the big name opponents, he has fallen short (except for the Lewis knockout). In this fight with Evander Holyfield, Rahman not only wanted to win, but he wanted to win in exciting fashion and rejuvenate his career. He wanted fans to appreciate what he does.

* The Fight *

Early in the fight, Rahman used his jab and did well in the opening round. Holyfield also did well as the momentum shifted back and forth in that round, although Rahman did more work. I thought Holy won the second and third rounds with the better punching, winning the exchanges convincingly. I had them even in the fourth and then Rahman winning the fifth round. In six, seven and eight, I had Holyfield winning with the more damaging punches and better overall ring generalship. Rahman came in weighing 224 pounds, 14 pounds lighter and fitter than when he faced Lewis in their rematch last November. Holyfield came in at a trim 216 pounds for this fight and in great condition. Once the fight was underway, a more exciting fight than I anticipated ensued and Holyfield did not look like a man ready to retire.

Rahman looked to be the less skilled fighter against Holyfield. Many fans expected Rahman to beat the aged Evander, probably by knockout. Holyfield didn’t live up to expectations of those who had once again, written him off as too old and too battle worn to beat a man considered a top contender in Hasim Rahman.

Throughout the fight, referee Tony Orlando kept saying to Holyfield, “Watch your head.” I had counted four definite head butts by Evander but the ref never officially warned him as both men were fighting in close so often that none of the butts seemed intentional. Holyfield is notorious for head butting his opponents. He seems to have mastered the art of fouling without looking like he’s fouling. On the inside, Holyfield tucks his chin into his chest as he bobs and weaves, which easily facilitates head butting.

In the seventh round, Rahman was head butted again, real bad. It looked ‘incidental’ as both were in close. Seconds after that butt, Rahman’s head began to swell rapidly. First it looked like a mouse, then a golf ball, a moment later, it looked like a baseball-sized lump was emerging from the left side of his forehead. It was scary to see. Rahman continued to fight, being bested by the better skilled Holyfield as the round came to a close.

Between round seven and eight, Rahman’s corner used an End swell on the area, but as the 8th round began, the swelling continued to grow. It was the most unnatural looking swelling I ever did see in a prizefight. By 1:40 of the 8th round, the referee called a time-out to allow the ring side doctor to have a look at that massive lump growing on Rahman’s head. The Dr. asked if he was having problems seeing and Hasim said, “Yes.” New Jersey State Athletic Commissioner, Larry Hazard instructed referee Tony Orlando to stop the fight and go to the scorecards. It was a good call. No one wants to see a fighter suffer a career-ending injury or even worse, death. I applaud the decision to halt the contest as being the right thing to have done.

The fight was stopped in the middle of the eighth round due to that balloon like swelling, compliments of a classic Holyfield head butt in the 7th round, followed by several punches to the same area. Whether intentional or not, Holyfield’s rock solid head (once again) acted as part of Evander’s arsenal, having a direct result on the outcome of the fight.

The Judges scores read as follows:

Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey – 69-64 for Holyfield

John Steward of New Jersey – 69-64 for Holyfield

Melvina Lathan of New York – 67-66 for Rahman

I included the 8th round and scored it -- 78-75 for Holyfield

The Judge’s scores didn’t take the 8th round into account, which I felt was inappropriate because a partial round should always be scored in a fight that is stopped for whatever reason. What if Rahman had scored a knock down in the 8th, would it not have counted?

* * *

Rahman was in a near fatal accident once and was resilient and lucky enough to recover and go on to become a prizefighter. Overall, I feel that Hasim is a good man of decent character who needs to consider his health. He should determine and then decide whether or not to continue his Boxing career. Who knows whether that may have been part of the reason for that most unusual swelling on his noggin? He may have fractured his skull before and broke it in the Holyfield fight. Safety should be the key.

If Rahman is able to continue Boxing, he definitely deserves a rematch with Holyfield. He may have been behind on my scorecard at the midway point of the 8th round, but under healthier circumstances, he might have come back and won the fight, in which he was fighting bravely and capably.

It is doubtful that Holyfield wants a rematch with Rahman. Why would he? He has bigger fish to fry in his quest to regain the Heavyweight Crown. Fighting the winner of Ruiz vs. Johnson could be a key to getting him a title, the WBA’s version anyway. His preference would have to be a rematch with Tyson if Tyson were to beat Lennox Lewis on June 8th. Evander’s beaten Iron Mike twice before and would be a cinch to three peat. He lost to Lewis twice in my eyes, but got closer the last time up. Lewis could be his new Riddick Bowe? If Holy were to beat Lewis in a third meeting, he would have a 1-2 record against Lennox; the same as his 1-2 record vs. Bowe. Only this time, Holyfield rides off into the sunset his way, the Undisputed Champion of the World.

* * *

Senator John McCain (Rep. – Ariz.) and Bryon Dorgan (Dem. – N.D.) have proposed legislation that could lead to a National Boxing Commission. If the Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2002 passes into law it could grant Boxing the same legitimacy enjoyed by other American pro sports, like Hockey’s NHL, Football’s NFL, Baseball’s MLB and Basketball’s NBA. This would create uniform standards and regulations for Boxing in the United States as well as provide fighters with health insurance and pension benefits. I’d like to see some former or even current Fighters step up and be part of this evolution, instead of politically selected, non-Boxing people, who less understand the needs of this great sport.

If Boxing had a National Commission, I wonder if Holyfield would be obligated to have a rematch with Rahman? Since this fight ended on account of a foul, intentional or not, Rahman deserves a rematch in spite of the politics.

Agree or disagree? Send comments to dshark87@hotmail.com

Legacy: What Will Become of Holyfield?

By Phillip Przybylo

Come June 1, all bets are off.

Two of the four biggest names in the heavyweight division will roll the dice and get it on at the Boardwalk Convention Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, USA. One, an unpredictable power puncher and former heavyweight champion. A flamboyant personality and periods of explosiveness in the ring make him a refreshing face in the world of boxing. The other, a phoenix shining in the face of a sport filled with vultures. Three and a half times the heavyweight champion and thirty-nine years old, he can never be counted out but, as of late, has been hard to count on.

When Evander Holyfield and Hasim Rahman square off in their high stakes heavyweight match-up, win-loss records will not be the only thing on the line. A title shot and credibility are waiting in the wings. Unlike participants in many notable heavyweight confrontations in the last year or so, these two men have tasted such fruits, making this all the more important. They have been to the top and they know what it takes to get there. Any stall in their most recent climbs can crush hopes. And in a lot of ways, it can take away their livelihoods.

Crossroads With the End of the Road in Sight

A year ago, Hasim "The Rock" Rahman had the boxing world by the balls. He had just put Lennox Lewis to sleep, winning the his first and only heavyweight championship. With it, came attention and automatic respect. He gained the type of respect that fattens the wallet and adds plenty of commas to his bank account. Instead of taking sure things with an HBO or Showtime television contract, he remained a free agent while hoping to earn even bigger rewards later down the line.

Rahman's gamble did not pay off. In the fourth round of his rematch with Lewis, he came up snake eyes. Tentative, yet, overconfident, Rahman left himself open to a brutal right hand that laid him out for the count. With that one punch, he lost almost everything, including his position as top dog in boxing. However, he did not lose the desire to reach that spot once again. While he was always a solid contender and boxer, he has rededicated himself with the help of the "trainer of the year," Bouie Fisher.

Hasim is now in the best shape of his career. He has also learned a few new tricks from the newest guru in his camp. He is ready for Evander Holyfield, for better or worse. A loss to the legend will knock him off the map, possibly for good. A win will make him THE destination for any heavyweight looking for a big fight. This may be the biggest gamble of his career.

On the other hand, Evander knows about risks all too well. Whether its brawling with the biggest big men in the sport or fighting past his prime years of his career, the 1984 Bronze Medalist has taken tremendous risks and has enjoyed proving doubters wrong at the same time. He has taken out Riddick Bowe and Mike Tyson when few thought he could. After all, he was just a "blown up cruiserweight." What might even be more extraordinary is his ability to stay competitive and supremely conditioned at his advanced age. Though, it is mostly because of that age (it is just a number, right?) that has him in the role of underdog once again. An intriguing question has introduced itself: Can he prove critics wrong again?

But there might be a more pertinent question begging to be asked.

Why?

Hall of Fame middleweight Marvin Hagler was a champion for nearly seven years in the 1980's. His wins over Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, and John Mugabi alone were compelling enough, let alone nine other title defenses to add to it. But what puts him over most boxing greats was that he left at the top of his game. He left on his own terms at the age of 32. In fact, his last bout with Sugar Ray Leonard produced the "Fight of the Year" and a decision highly disputed to this day. Even with a decision loss, fans the world over still held the belief that he could take everyone on and anyone out.

In a recent interview with Alison Kervin of the London times, Hagler admitted how difficult it was to let go. “I started to feel like there weren’t nothing else because boxing had been everything for too long,” he said. “I was in good shape, but it was hard; hardest thing I’ve ever done. But once I got my head straight and sorted out some new plans, I was OK.”

Unfortunately, Hagler is the exception to the rule. Heroes of the sports world will ultimately cease to be heroes. It is hard to move on from a sport that has afforded one fame, accolades, and money for so long. Even the biggest legends will hold on until it is too late. Now, the history books may not look too kindly on Evander Holyfield, but make no mistake, he is a legend. And he is no different from the others. With very little to prove if anything at all, he still strives for more. From any perspective, it is a difficult journey to understand.

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time and perhaps the only true global celebrity, has had rough times giving up the game that let him shine. In his case, it is the competitive desire and for the love of the game (which is also the title for one of his autobiographies) that has taken him out of retirement two times. Jordan told the media when announcing his most recent comeback with the Washington Wizards, "I am returning as a player to the game I love. While nothing can take away from the past, I am firmly focused on the future and the competitive challenge ahead of me." But even His Airness has faltered recently. Luckily, all he has to worry about is sore knees. There are those who believe Evander might be playing Russian roulette considering his line of work.

Case in point being Muhammad Ali, the biggest star the sport of boxing has ever known, who had done it all...multiple times. Yet, he was determined to become the 4-time heavyweight champion. The superb author Thomas Hauser described this ill-fated and unnecessary quest in his book Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times: "He wanted the glory, he wanted a platform for his views, and he wanted the money. And in pursuit of those ends, he deceived himself, massively." Ali took one or two too many beatings at the end, which likely accelerated his illness.

In a twist of irony, some have been comparing Holyfield's bouts with John Ruiz to Ali's with Leon Spinks. What has people worried for the 7-5 underdog is that Hasim Rahman could just be his Larry Holmes.

What Makes Holyfield Different

While Evander has made a career out of being a warrior in every sense of the word, a point that is lost on many is that he is still a professional. To become the undisputed heavyweight champion is his goal and has been for a long time. Serious thought is put behind every move he makes. The bout with Rahman will put him at the number two contender slot in at least two of the sanctioning bodies. It will also make him a much more attractive counterpart to a big money match with whoever wins the Lewis-Tyson showdown. The bottom line is that he knows what he is doing more than people give him credit for.

He is already among the top five or top ten heavyweights of all-time, but to retire as undisputed champion, as well as a champion for technically a fifth time, would put him at the very top. Unlike for Jordan and Ali, this is a defined and very specific purpose. He is fighting for history, a motive almost beyond words. Perhaps, he can leave as Hagler did--on top--and history will smile down on him.

However, history states that it is a rarity to go that route, especially at his age. Murmurs from training camp can be heard, though, stating that Holyfield is looking faster and leaner than he has in a while. He also has the unwavering confidence in himself and in God to take care of him. He will need all of that and more against the dangerous Rahman and what history dictates.

This will probably turn out to be another closely contested war for Holyfield. Darn near inexplicably considering his 1-2-2 record in his last five fights, many clear-headed impartial individuals and experts believe he can overcome the odds (proving that he may not be considered the best, but he will probably go down as the most respected fighter and champion). Most of all, so does Evander.

Who will stand up to him and say differently?

Definitely not a betting man.

Double P's Power Punches

-The undercard of the anticipated battle will see Maurice Harris on the comeback trail. He is fighting the undefeated and tough Sergei Liakhovich. At 18-12-2, Harris's record is not admired or coveted, but he has a great amount of speed and ring savvy. If he is in good condition, expect an upset. If he does indeed win, there are plenty of beatable ranked contenders out there for him, giving him a chance to clear a name that has been the butt of quite a few jokes.

-Note to American fans: Ricky Hatton (28-0) and Eamon Magee (23-2) will throw it down in the UK on June 1. It will be televised on Showtime and should be available to watch after Holyfield-Rahman on HBO. A star can be born that evening. A British Ward-Gatti? You never know.

-Note to all fans: A truly inspirational and educational series is available for viewing at TotalAction.com and its Fight Page. "Operation Cleanup" has been spearheaded by Charles Jay. Whether it is honesty, answers, or even entertainment of sorts one is looking for, this ongoing collection of pieces penned by the classy Jay is second to none. You may not agree with everything that is said, but it will surely open your eyes on a diverse group of subjects. I strongly advise all readers to stop by and read as many segments of the series as you can