A former rival of Lennox Lewis is making an ambitious bid to once again become world heavyweight champion.
Olympic gold medallist Lewis is regarded as one of the best heavyweights in modern history, claiming world honours on three separate occasions, whilst also becoming undisputed champion.
Lewis defeated every man he ever faced, but did have to avenge two losses, after suffering defeats to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman.
At the age of 53, one of those fighters is now set to return to the ring and target an unlikely shot at the heavyweight crown, after Rahman announced that he is coming out of retirement.
Rahman last fought in 2014, coming up short against the unheralded Anthony Nansen, with his last victory not coming since back in June 2011, a decade on from his triumph over Lewis.
Despite the odds being against him, Rahman insists he has what it takes to secure gold again, telling ABC News about his lofty ambition.
“I feel stronger, I feel better. I feel more knowledgeable. My legs are strong, my arms are strong, my endurance is insane right now.
“For those who don’t believe, don’t act like you believe once I do this. I heard this before the first time I won the title, the second time I won the title. I will become the oldest world heavyweight champion.”
George Foreman currently holds the record of the oldest world heavyweight champion in history at the age of 46, and Rahman is set to fight next month when he begins his quest to break that record, competing at the ESL Ballpark in Rochester, New York.
Even with a victory there, with Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois currently holding the four title belts between them, and a number of top contenders all awaiting their opportunities, it seems implausible that Rahman will get a shot anytime soon.
