After a 12-year hiatus from professional boxing, Hasim Rahman is set to return to the ring tonight at the age of 53, aiming to etch his name in history by becoming the oldest heavyweight world champion, surpassing George Foreman’s record.
Rahman’s most famous moment came in 2001 when he delivered a shocking knockout victory over an undefeated Lennox Lewis in South Africa, capturing the WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles. Although Lewis reclaimed the belts in a rematch just seven months later, Rahman’s first win over Lewis remains one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
Now, Rahman is preparing for his 63rd professional fight against Phillip Triantafillo in Lowell, Indiana. Triantafillo, a 40-year-old with a 4-4 record, has been largely inactive since 2016, but Rahman views this comeback as a serious bid for the title.
“I feel stronger, I feel better, I feel more knowledgeable. My legs are strong, my arms are strong, my endurance is insane right now.
“Those that don’t believe, don’t act live you believed once I do this because I have heard this the first time that I won the title, the second time that I won the title.
“I will become the oldest heavyweight champion!”
Throughout his career, Rahman has shared the ring with legendary fighters like Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko, and James Toney. His opponent tonight, Triantafillo, has previously faced other former champions, including a loss to Charles Martin before Martin’s IBF title reign.