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Friday, 11 August 2006 |
Boxer Oleg Maskaev says that beating Hasim Rahman will be a victory for America too
Kazak-born boxer Oleg Maskaev says that beating WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman in Las Vegas on Saturday will be a victory for America as well.
Oleg Maskaev, 37, became an American citizen in 2004 and is annoyed at Hasim Rahman being dubbed "America's Last Line of Defence" by promoter Bob Arum.
"It bothers me because it is not a factor," said Oleg Maskaev. "Whoever wins will be an American."
Oleg Maskaev knocked out Hasim Rahman, 34, when the two last fought back in 1999.
If Oleg Maskaev is triumphant again at the Thomas & Mack Centre, boxers from ex-Soviet countries will hold all four major belts at heavyweight.
Russian giant Nikolay Valuev is the WBA champion, Wladimir Klitschko of the Ukraine has the IBF crown and the WBO's title-holder is Serguei Lyakhovich from Belarus.
"They are trying to get a clean sweep, but I can't allow this to happen," said Hasim Rahman, who comes from Baltimore.
"I get to defend my title, avenge a loss and hold it down for my country. I'm going to make a big statement.
"I don't really care where he's from. If his feelings are hurt, his feelings are hurt. His body is going to hurt on the 12th," Hasim Rahman added.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 15 August 2006 )
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