Rahman thinks he’s still got it

US heavyweight boxer Hasim Rahman.

US heavyweight boxer Hasim Rahman.

Published Sep 28, 2012

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Berlin – Hasim Rahman, who famously relieved Lennox Lewis of his heavyweight titles in 2001, bids to become world champion once again on Saturday when he tackles Russia's WBA belt-holder Alexander Povetkin in Hamburg.

Despite his 40th birthday fast approaching, the American believes his record of 50 victories in his 60 fights – 41 inside the distance – can stand up to examination.

“When I am on top, nobody can absorb the power of my punches,” said Rahman.

The likes of Lewis can testify to that. The Briton lost his WBC and IBF crowns in 2001 in a stunning fifth round knockout in South Africa before he regained them in a fourth-round knock-out seven months later.

The Baltimore fighter, nicknamed “The Rock”, then lost to Wladimir Klitschko in 2008 in Mannheim when the IBF, WBO and IBO titles were up for grabs.

Rahman has won his last five fights, but all were low-key events.

Povetkin, 33, defeated Ruslan Chagaeva in 2008 to win the WBA heavyweight title and has defended it with wins over Cedric Boswell and Marco Huck.

He has also called upon the expertise of Russian-born Australian Kostya Tszyu, the former world light welterweight champion.

“We have been building up my strong points and trying to eradicate the weaker parts to make me a more complete boxer,” said Povetkin, nicknamed “The White Tiger”. – Sapa-AFP

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