Former Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman Loses Comeback Bout at 53
Rahman, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in 2001, returned to the ring after 12 years of retirement to face a club fighter in Indiana.
Hasim Rahman, once a world heavyweight boxing champion, returned to the ring after a 12-year retirement and lost a split decision to Phillip Triantafillo on Thursday night in Lowell, Indiana. Rahman, 53, faced Triantafillo, who held a record of 4-4, for the Indiana State heavyweight belt in a six-round bout held at VFW Post 6841.
Two judges scored the fight 59-55 for Triantafillo, while a third scored it 58-56. The loss brings Rahman's professional record to 50-10-2. The fight was a stark contrast to his past glory days, drawing a small crowd and minimal attention.
Rahman had expressed ambitions of becoming boxing's oldest heavyweight champion, a record currently held by George Foreman, who was 45 when he regained the title. Rahman had announced his intention to return to boxing in May.
The fight has drawn criticism from figures within the boxing community. Promoter Lou DiBella commented on X about the "sad silliness in tiny venues," questioning the state of the sport in 2026. Boxing writer Dan Rafael described the bout as "utterly washed" and noted the sparse attendance.
Rahman's last professional fight was in June 2014, when he lost a decision in New Zealand. His career at the top level effectively ended after a knockout loss to Alexander Povetkin in 2012.
Rahman achieved one of boxing's biggest upsets in April 2001 when he knocked out Lennox Lewis in South Africa to become a world champion, though he lost the rematch later that year. His career included bouts against other notable fighters such as Evander Holyfield, James Toney, and Wladimir Klitschko.
Another former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, also returned to the ring in 2024 at age 58 for an exhibition match against Jake Paul. Tyson later stated he would not fight again, emphasizing the personal significance of his last bout despite the loss.