Hasim Rahman Jr’s Purpose Is Bigger Than Boxing

At the end of it all, ultimately, it doesn’t get more deep-rooted and visceral than a man fighting for the future of a sport. However, there is something to be said about a fighter entering the theatre of the unknown, carrying the most powerful tool of all, faith.

Many fighters claim that they’re cut from a different cloth, a legendary bloodline to be exact. However, it doesn’t get more iconic when you mention the name, Rahman.

In 2001, former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman shook the world by scoring one of the biggest, most dramatic upsets in boxing history when he knocked out Lennox Lewis to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. His son ( Hasim Rahman Jr.) looks to replicate what his dad did that night, to defy all odds regardless of the circumstances.

Most might think that Hasim Jr is only known due to his last name. However, when one of the greatest trainers in history predicts that you might reach greatness at an early stage, that says something.

The late legendary trainer Emmanuel Stewart predicted over a decade ago that Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder would rule the heavyweight division, and his prophecy turned into reality. Do you know what Emmanuel also predicted? He predicted on several occasions that if Hasim Jr took the sport seriously, he would become a world champion due to his incredible talent and fondness for the sport.

In the early 2000s, Rahman worked his way up in the amateur ranks, competing in nearly ninety fights through his teenage years. Everything was going according to plan as Hasim was progressing by the day. However, all of a sudden, in a blink of an eye, everything fell apart…

On a hazy night, Rahman got into a car accident, resulting in him serving time, halting his momentum and sporting dreams and ambitions. When Rahman went to prison, he had weighed 201 lbs, and three years later, by the time he was released, he weighed 250 lbs. Moreover, most might not know, but in 2013, Rahman was also diagnosed with severe depression. However, as they say, when there is a will, there is a way.

December 21st, 2016: At last, Hasim Rahman was released after completing his three-year sentence. Rahman knew that his road back was going to be far from easy. However, there is something to be said about fighting being in his blood. Just like his father, there was no way he would stay down.

2017: Hasim Rahman Jr. made his professional debut, knocking out his first three opponents, making up for the three years he was gone in. It seems like in Rahman’s journey, adversity presents itself in the most trying times. Earlier that year, Rahman buried his son Jibrael with his bare hands, making his purpose more potent than ever, and when purpose meets faith, blessings are inevitable. However, Rahman had to endure one last setback before it all made sense…

April 29th, 2022: Hasim Rahman Jr. and McKenzie Morrison squared off in an all-out heavyweight barnburner. Rahman dominated the fight for the first four rounds. However, fatigue set in for Rahman, resulting in Morrison scoring a comeback win. That night could have been the end of Rahman, but with everything he went through, little did people know that it was actually the start.

In early July, Jake Paul’s team reached out to Rahman, thinking that they were getting Hasim at a time when he’s most vulnerable. It’s a genius move to the naked eye, but to the Rahman family, one thing went through their minds, “we got him.”

Unquestionably, Rahman is the bigger, stronger, more experienced fighter of the two. However, to Rahman, this fight is not about fame or even skill display. This fight is about making life fair to the Rahman family. All the trials and tribulations Hasim went through in the last decade, from the Mayweather lawsuit to being exed out by the industry, to serving time, and most significantly, delivering a promise he made to his late son.

Rahman wouldn’t have made it through all the dark times if it wasn’t for his faith, and on August 6th, he looks to capitalize on a night where his faith meets his destiny. Immortality in the boxing world awaits with fame, and Hasim Rahman Jr. is the name.