10.03.05 – By Brad D. – There is much talk going on in the forums about the Vitali Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman fight. This fight is finally a go as of yesterday, that is unless something huge changes, or someone gets injured. This fight will take place April 30th on HBO World Championship Boxing.
Many of the topics in the forums include statements like Rahman knocked out Lewis, he can knock out Vitali, and Vitali will treat Rahman like he did Williams. Let me address the Rahman/Lewis angle. Lennox Lewis came into the Rahman fight totally lethargic, out of shape, and careless. It was apparent in the first round to me that Lewis was in trouble. That accompanied by the smiles, and you knew he was about to eat canvas.
Also styles make fights. Lewis was the only person that has been able to connect on Vitali, and even his punches couldn’t knock down Vitali. Rahman isn’t half the boxer Lennox Lewis was.
Vitali Klitschko (35-2, 34 KO’s) has never been down, and up to this point in his career, he has come into every single fight in shape. He has never ever underestimated an opponent, and it shows. Vitali also is an incredibly hard fighter to hit. Every single boxer that has faced Klitschko has commented that he is very difficult to hit and so far, he has proven even harder to put down.
Williams (40-5-1, 33 KO’s) was able to hit Tyson. He wasn’t able to connect that jab with Klitschko. He, instead, had that awkward jab in his own face all night long. Vitali Klitschko also hits harder than everyone thinks. This was proven by Williams who after the fight said Vitali hits very very hard and he was almost out in the first round. Tyson couldn’t even get Williams out in the first round, and never hurt Lewis the way Klitschko did in round 2 of their fight.
Rahman has also looked less than stellar in his last 6 fights. Beating the man who almost beat Brewster does not make you the man. Rahman appears to be unmotivated in most of his fights, and hasn’t done much since Lewis II. I believe honestly, that beating took everything Rahman had left in him.
I think Vitali will come into this fight prepared. Vitali will be very aggressive in this fight and try to get rid of Rahman early, and Klitschko will keep Rahman on the end of his jab and frustrate him until he delivers the knock out straight right hand.
I predict Vitali Klitschko KO4 over Hasim Rahman.
Your own predictions are welcome in the comments section.
Brad D. can be reached at hirebrad@hotmail.com