NEW YORK -- Heavyweight contender Hasim Rahman of Baltimore will headline an ESPN2 show tonight when he squares off with Michael Rush of Tampa, Fla., at the fabled Roseland Ballroom. But Rahman vows it will be anything but a dance contest.
"This is all about business and making a statement," said Rahman (29-1), trying to atone for a controversial knockout loss to David Tua in Miami last December that is still under appeal.
"I've heard that Rush likes to hit and run, but he's not going to be able to hide too long in a 16-foot ring."
For Rahman, 26, presently ranked No. 5 in the world by the International Boxing Federation, Rush (14-3) represents a tuneup for bigger fights.
"I'll fight any of the top young heavies -- Michael Grant, Ike Ibeabuchi or Larry Donald," Rahman said. "There's talk of possibly getting a fight with Grant by May. But right now my main goal is getting back in the ring with Tua."
Fighting for the IBF's No. 1 ranking, Rahman can't forget how he swept the first eight rounds by out-boxing the hard-punching Samoan. He was stunned by a hook just before the end of the ninth round, and Tua followed with another brutal punch after the bell.
The referee failed to penalize Tua or give Rahman an extended rest period between rounds. Tua took advantage by pouncing on Rahman at the start of the 10th round and unleashing a barrage of punches until the ref intervened.
Rahman's promoter, Cedric Kushner, tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a rematch with Dino Duva, who backs Tua. The protest will be heard by IBF president Bob Lee and an executive committee in Elizabeth, N.J., on March 27.
"The delays have been very frustrating," said Rahman's co-manager, Steve Nelson. "All we can hope now is that the IBF does the right thing by making Tua fight Rahman again."
Despite the painful loss, Rahman insists it was a valuable learning experience.
"I know now that I can't try to simply out-box everybody," he said. "I've got to be more aggressive in looking for knockouts."
Fight facts
Who: Hasim Rahman (29-1), Baltimore, vs. Michael Rush (17-3-1), Tampa, Fla., heavyweights, 10 rounds.
Also: Danell Nicholson (32-3), Chicago, vs. Frankie Swindell (34-16-1), Nashville, Tenn., heavyweights, 10 rounds.
Where: Roseland Ballroom, New York
When: Tonight, 8: 30
TV: ESPN2
Pub Date: 3/12/99