How good could Hasim Rahman have been?

I think Lewis's jibe of '21st century Buster Douglas' was actually more accurate and complimentary then he intended.

Because Buster was someone that also possessed the physical tools yet an inconsistant attitude, leading to some really good nights and some really poor ones. I think Steward was also right about Rahman - he could've developed him away from just the one-two style and into a smoother package.

I do think Rahman can be considered very unlucky to not have at least one win over David Tua, if not arguably two.

 

Rahman probably started too late, as a boxer though he just wasn't that good, he didn't have the technique to throw at the inside/mid range very effectively mainly because he lacked a good left hook. HE was badly off balance when he threw his right hand and he left it hanging out there so could be countered, his defense was based on reactions and was exploitable

Like any late starter he was unrefined, but I don't think even if he had years of technical training he would be that amazing

 

Good physical talent. Which is why I have some interest in the progress of his son, who apparently isn't half bad?

 

A more trained & motivated Rahman was a scary beast...unfortunately for his fans (me - i think i'm the only one) his dedication was hardly ever there.

To say the KO over Lewis went to his head is a understatement. Had he lost that 1st fight, i think his career would have wound up in better shape just no belt in '01

Yes his kid is going to be a good contender. Count on that!

 

Rahman was awful as far as heavyweight champions go. A really mediocre uninspiring fighter.

Sure he would have been a bit better if he was always in shape.

 

Rahman actually accomplished a lot for what he was. He was big and strong, but he only had 7 or 8 amatuer fights. He had a decent jab and was trained by Kevin Rooney as an amatuer and Tommy Brooks in the early stages of his pro career, so he had a good basis for learning from two top notch guys. I remember watching him in the early part of his career and he really didnt do anything special, but he worked hard and was like a blue collar type fighter, he just outhustled and outworked guys and was in top shape.
He stopped making that commitment right before the first Tua fight and really his career started going down from there. He got lucky getting an underprepared Lewis in South Africa, but he took the right steps in getting his shot at the title and really prepared himself well, but he was never good enough to beat a Lewis caliber fighter at their respective best.

 

Top level?:huh

 

he did beat lewis though.. lucky punch or not.. most heavyweights would have got beat

 

Its difficult to gauge exactly how much potential a fighter had. Sometimes what we see is all there is to it.. Rahman did very well with the tools he was given, but there were some men like Oleg Maskaev who just seemed to have his number. A longer amateur career might have helped him along, but that's too speculative for me to do anything with..

 

A lot of them would have beat Lewis that night. Im talking best for best. Should have verified that.

 

He could have had more entertaining fights in the prime of his career had Vitali not strung him along for 4 re-scheduled bouts. No i don't think he would have a chance in hell at beating Vitali but that stringing along stole a lot of Rock's thunder back in 05 when he was coming on strong as a top American contender.

 

anyone seen rahman jr in action?

 

I have seen him fight an amateur fight. He looks like an amateur.

 

Yeah actually, he certainly has potential. He is shooting to be on 2012 olympic team. He is a big kid...he & his dad standing together looks like a friggin semi truck. I'd say you will hear his name real soon...let's just hope he is a little more dedicated to the sport than his father.