If we judge a fighter by his last fight, we would have to ask many questions, in the case of Hasim “The Rock” Rahman. Would that be his last fight in the ring?, or his last battle in court with Don King, or the whole Vitali Klitschko debacle, and the 4.2 million dollar shot he took when that fight was delayed, then cancelled, then followed by a bankruptcy hearing. Rahman has always had the tools he needed, but he seem to lack the proper decision making abilities, to steer his career in the right direction. Never stepping into the gym, until the ripe age of 20, and only taking 10 amateur fights, can do that to a fighter.

He seemed to be learning as pro, and although he made some incredible strides, he also took some steps to the rear in the process. You would think that the only American Heavyweight champion would be more popular, and have a bigger following, or fan base. Major acceptance has eluded the 33 year old fighter from Baltimore. His last 2 fights were, less than inspiring. In August of last year, he fought Monte Barrett (31-3), which amounted to nothing more than a sparring session, and a boring win by decision by Rahman. His last loss, came at the hands of John “The Quiet Man” Ruiz. I think we all kind of wish Ruiz was so quiet, he would just disappear.

Credible heavyweight champions fight credible opponents. That is one of the reasons why Rahman’s next fight with Oleg Maskaev, is so important. This is NOT his “buddy” Monte Barrett. This is a hungry fighter, who has not lost a fight in 3 years, going 10-0, with 8 KO’s. This is also a fighter, who knocked Rahman senseless in 1999, putting him through the ropes, and almost on the lap of HBO’s Jim Lampley. Maskaev is the mandatory challenger. Rahman must fight him, or relinquish his belt.

Hasim Rahman has a real test, facing one of his toughest former opponents that hurt him physically, and professionally. If he beats Maskaev soundly, then maybe he can take a stab at unification. Fans would become more accepting of him. Right now, he is just seen as another journeyman fighter, who is holding a belt, and milking it for what he can get. Boxing is business, I think it would be naïve to think otherwise, but it is also an honor. It is an honor to hold that title, and it deserves the respect of every man who fights to obtain it. The trouble seems to be, that once some men obtain it, they seem to forget why they were striving for it in the first place. And that’s when they usually lose it.