Former lineal heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman speaking inside of City Athletic Boxing in Las Vegas (Photo: Chris Robinson)

By Chris Robinson

It was a pleasant surprise when I caught former lineal heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman training inside of City Athletic Boxing earlier this month.

Having compiled a 50-9-2 record with 41 knockouts while competing as a professional, Rahman was an entertaining fighter to watch and has faced a long line of formidable champions and contenders during his days in the sport.

Now retired, Rahman is turning part of his focus towards his son Sharif, 19, who is set to make his professional debut this coming weekend in the Rahmans’ hometown of Baltimore, Md.

“My son is turning pro and I want everybody to come out for this passing of the torch,” Rahman explained.

“It means everything, because a lot of mistakes was made in my career and I can guide him,” Rahman added of his son’s forthcoming match. “He doesn’t need to sign away his life or part of his earnings towards somebody. I can do that for him for free. He can put all of that away for himself. I believe if he’s guided properly, he can be a multi-division champion.”

What else did Rahman have to say on this day? Plenty, actually.

Check below for the full interview, where he shares his thoughts on today’s heavyweight landscape, including WBC champion Deontay Wilder and brash Tyson Fury, as well as his take on whether Floyd Mayweather will return, thoughts on boxing politics and media, plus much more.

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com