It is official. Eastern Europe now rules the heavyweight division.
Oleg Maskaev is the new WBC Heavyweight Champion. Maskaev stopped Baltimore's Hasim Rahman at 2:17 of the 12th round to win the title tonight in Las Vegas. Now all four of the major governing bodies have heavyweight champions from former Soviet countries.
The Kazakshtan-born, US citizen Maskaev took advantage of the tiring Rahman as the fight wore on. Although Rahman used his jab pretty well early, Maskaev got stronger and was able to pressure Rahman and eventually drop Rahman in the 12th. Moments later, Maskaev pressured Rahman in the corner and forced referee Jay Nady to stop the bout.
Rahman's record falls to 41-6-2, 33 KO's. Maskaev's record rises to 33-5, 26 KO's.
Rahman post script _13 AUG 2006.
ReplyDeleteThere is an old saying that goes something like: “It is better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all”. For those out there you would choose to “bury Rock”, rather than to “honor him” (coming off his lost last night to Oleg Maskaev), I’m not with that! Rock’s heart, power, determination, and will to fight past many “potentially show stopping” (career ending) bout outcomes throughout his twelve year professional boxing journey has been inspiring and a bit of a “Cinderella story” in and of itself. When it’s all said and done Hasim will be able to one day discuss his “pugilistic adventures”, sharing the stage with the likes of Lewis, Holyfield, Toney, Ruiz, Meehan, Berbick, Puritty, Tua, “Corrie” (not the T-Rex - Corey) Sanders, and yes Maskaev, among others of his era. He had some spectacular wins and disappointing losses along the way (but hell, so have I, and perhaps so have YOU – if you think about it). The difference is Rock’s journey has been witnessed by the whole world. “We” (you and I) can get up quietly after “our knock downs” and move on without too many even noticing. Hopefully we have had the will and guts to do it at least “half-as –well” as Rock has done. Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, my hat is off to you! Regardless of what course you take going forward, YOU BROUGHT THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD BACK TO THE UNITED STATES - TWICE!!!! That accomplishment can never be taken away my friend. Job well done! Champions come and Champions go, but in the end, all you can do is leave your mark and let it stand, in full view, as part of the record and times of history. Some will focus on your “UPS & DOWNS”, but like I said in the beginning: “It is better to have loved and lost . . . ”
Ten Count – I’m Out
The Fight Doctor (AKA Jerome Spears)
I agree wholeheartedly, Fight Doctor. Let's be honest. There were a lot of people (myself included) who at the beginning of Rahman's career never thought he would be a heavyweight champion. Keeping himself in the championship mix all these years is a wonderful acheivement that only few have accomplished. He should be credited for doing that.
ReplyDeleteI also agree, Great Job Rock! And thanks for repp'in Baltimore the whole way through.
ReplyDeleteBull
Three cheers to "The Rock" from Baltimore! Best of luck to you and yours in the future!! Oh and finally, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
ReplyDeletePeace!
I was sorry to see Rock lose. Maskaev was "the better man" on aug 12th. Whatever The Rock does down the road, I wish him well.
ReplyDeleteHey Digital, What did you think of how Nady refereed the fight? The ref in NJ always says, "they (the people) came to see you two fight, not to watch me ref". These were two BIG, 240 lbs heavyweights! And here is Nady, talking about "taking points for holding" in the FIRST ROUND!! He forced a "No Huddle-type" offense (excuse the football reference) pace on both fighters which may have had more of an adverse impact on Rahman than Maskaev. Sure, both guys had to put up with the same "manufactured pace", but I think we all ended up watching "Nady ref" as much as Hasim and Oleg fight! Your comment.
Honestly, JLP, I've never been a big Jay Nady fan. I think he does get involved a little too much in a match.
ReplyDeleteUsually, he does well with heavyweights and Nevada likes to put him in with heavies because he is a big guy himself, so he can stand up to the pushing around that heavyweights like to do.
But I've never thought he was the best of refs, not even in Nevada.
"No Huddle-type" offense forced on both fighters, interesting angle JLP. Big heavyweights do often half to "re-load" before firing again. Fighting a three minute round like you're "Arron Pryor" (most of the time) means you're 140 lbs; not 240 lbs!! Big guys often hold in between the action (more than the smaller guys), but you often get "the greatest fireworks" once they start up again with the Heavyweights. The following fights were "NOT THE RULE". Holyfield-Bowe ("1" of 3) went toe to toe, Norton-Holmes was a toe to toe match as well. These were tremendous fights! But you can't ask or expect this kind of output from every heavyweight pair that steps into the Square Jungle. HBO's Larry Merchant want to see "Hagler-Hearns" or "Foreman-Frazier" ("1" of 2) every time he puts on "his" bow tie and if by the second round he doesn't see it, he goes to sleep (and tries to take the viewing public with him!!) I'm sure Jim Lampley has gotten grayer and grayer working with that guy. Jay Nady, may very well have "forced a pace" on Oleg and Hasim, that they wouldn't have set on there own. Now that I think about it, even ("Hager-Hearns" Merchant) commented after the second round, when Nady told Maskaev "I'll start taking points - you're holding too much!!", that Nady was going too far. The bottom line, anything can happen in boxing, and it usually does!!!
ReplyDeleteTen Count – I’m Out
FD
Yeah, Rahman really has nothing at all to be ashamed of - the expectations of him were just a bit too high an unrealistic. He showed no quit in this fight. He also has had a good career, esp. considering how little am. exp. he had. Not everyone can be a hall of famer.
ReplyDelete