On April 22, 2001, Lennox Lewis and Hasim Rahman faced off at the Carnival City Casino in Brakpan, South Africa. Lewis, the reigning heavyweight champion, was a heavy favorite against Rahman, a relatively unknown challenger. However, what unfolded was one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Here’s a detailed, casual breakdown of each round of this dramatic encounter.
Round 1: Feeling Each Other Out
The first round began with both fighters taking a cautious approach. Lewis, known for his powerful jab, started working it early to keep Rahman at a distance. Rahman, aware of Lewis’s reach advantage, moved around the ring, looking for openings. Lewis landed a few solid jabs and a right hand that caught Rahman’s attention. Rahman responded with a couple of body shots, but nothing significant. The round was relatively uneventful, with Lewis slightly edging it due to his effective jab and control of the pace.
Round 2: Rahman’s Confidence
In the second round, Rahman started to show more confidence. He pressed forward more aggressively, trying to get inside Lewis’s reach. Rahman landed a couple of good body shots and a right hand to Lewis’s head. Lewis, however, remained composed and continued to use his jab effectively. Lewis landed a few right hands, but Rahman’s increased activity made it a closer round. Both fighters had their moments, but Rahman’s aggression might have earned him the round on the judges’ scorecards.
Round 3: Lewis’s Power
The third round saw Lewis starting to impose his will. He continued to use his jab to keep Rahman at a distance and followed up with some powerful right hands. Rahman managed to land a couple of shots, but Lewis’s reach and power were starting to take a toll. Lewis landed a big right hand that visibly hurt Rahman. Rahman tried to press forward, but Lewis’s jab and right hand were too much. Lewis clearly won the round, landing the cleaner and harder punches.
Round 4: Rahman’s Resilience
Rahman showed his resilience in the fourth round. He continued to press forward, trying to get inside and land his shots. Rahman landed a few body shots and a right hand to Lewis’s head, but Lewis’s jab continued to control the distance. Lewis landed some solid right hands and uppercuts, but Rahman’s aggression made it a competitive round. Both fighters had their moments, but Lewis’s cleaner punches likely gave him the edge.
Round 5: The Turning Point
The fifth round was a turning point in the fight. Rahman came out aggressively, knowing he needed to change the course of the fight. He landed some good body shots and a right hand that seemed to momentarily stun Lewis. Lewis responded with his jab and a few right hands, but Rahman’s increased activity made it a closer round. Rahman’s determination and pressure were starting to wear on Lewis, who looked slightly fatigued by the end of the round. It was a closer round, but Rahman’s aggression might have given him the edge.
Round 6: The Upset
The sixth round was one for the history books. Rahman came out with a sense of urgency, pressing forward and throwing punches. Lewis, looking a bit tired, tried to keep Rahman at bay with his jab. However, Rahman managed to get inside and landed a big right hand that rocked Lewis. Sensing his moment, Rahman followed up with another powerful right hand that sent Lewis crashing to the canvas. The referee began the count, but Lewis was unable to get up in time. Rahman had pulled off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, knocking out the heavyweight champion.
The Aftermath
The knockout victory for Hasim Rahman was a defining moment in his career. He had shocked the world by defeating Lennox Lewis, a fighter considered by many to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Rahman’s victory was a testament to his power and determination, as he had overcome the odds to achieve one of the sport’s most memorable upsets.
Post-Fight Reactions
Lewis was visibly shocked and disappointed after the fight. He had been in control for most of the bout but had been caught by Rahman’s powerful right hand. Lewis vowed to come back stronger and reclaim his titles. Rahman, on the other hand, was ecstatic. He had achieved a dream by becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. The fight was a testament to the unpredictable nature of boxing, where one punch can change everything.
Conclusion
The first fight between Lennox Lewis and Hasim Rahman was a classic example of the unpredictable nature of boxing. Lewis had been in control for most of the fight, using his jab and right hand to keep Rahman at a distance. However, Rahman’s resilience and determination paid off in the sixth round, where he landed the knockout blow that shocked the world. The fight showcased Rahman’s power and heart, as well as the importance of never underestimating an opponent in the sport of boxing.
