IBF Rule Makes Hasim Rahman 
Klitschko's Mandatory Defense 

By William Trillo
 
When Hasim Rahman was named as Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko's opponent after Alexander Povetkin fell out of the December 13 bout due to injury I knew there was a piece of information missing so we waited before we posted the story, and as suspected there was a catch.

According to the IBF rule that states the highest ranking available opponent qualifies for the mandatory defense, and by process of elimination, Hasim Rahman fulfills Klitschko's mandatory obligation.

With # 1 Povetkin sidelined and no one at # 2 and #'s 3 & 4 Alexander Dimitrenko and Chris Arreola both scheduled to fight in mid-November that left # 5 Rahman to fill the need as the highest rated available contender...the mandatory.

With a victory Klitschko will have 9 months before he has to face the IBF mandatory challenger. That leaves time for Wladimir to take an optional defense. Look for David Haye or Arreola to fill that slot. In the meantime Povetkin will have to lay back and wonder if he missed his shot at a title, not to mention a mega-million dollar payday.
 

Questions Or Comments? Email William Trillo