HASIM RAHMAN VS. LENNOX LEWIS II
Date / Location: Nov. 17, 2001 / Las Vegas
Result of first fight: Rahman KO 5
Result of rematch: Lewis KO 4
Background: The unheralded Rahman recorded a major upset when a big right hand split Lewis’ guard and knocked him down and out in April 2001 in South Africa, making the 20-1 underdog from Baltimore the heavyweight champion of the world. Lewis, who had held the title since 1997, evidently had taken Rahman for granted in his preparation. And he was careless in the ring. A different Lewis showed up for the rematch at Mandalay Bay. He was in shape, laser focused and bent on revenge. He boxed carefully, but with purpose, waiting for his opportunity to hurt his conqueror. Then it came. A left hook, followed by a huge right put Rahman flat on his back and he couldn’t continue. Order in the heavyweight division was restored.