Former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman will not make his return to the ring after his scheduled comeback fight on 18 August in Rochester, New York, was cancelled. The entire event was called off, ending his immediate plans to fight again.
The 53-year-old American had been out of action for more than 12 years before agreeing to face 42-year-old Robert Simms in a six-round bout. However, boxing journalist Dan Rafael confirmed the cancellation, stating: “Absolutely ZERO surprise but, per source, former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman’s return from retirement for a 6-rounder on August 18 in Rochester, New York, has been cancelled, as has the entire card.”
Rahman had publicly expressed a desire to surpass George Foreman as the oldest heavyweight world champion in boxing history. But those ambitions must now be put on hold indefinitely.
Foreman set the benchmark in 1994 at the age of 45 when he knocked out Michael Moorer in the 10th round to win the IBF and WBA belts. That victory capped a remarkable second phase of Foreman’s career, coming seven years after he ended a decade-long hiatus following his famous bouts against Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Rahman achieved his own crowning moment in 2001 by knocking out Lennox Lewis in the fifth round to claim the world titles, though he was stopped in their immediate rematch four months later. He subsequently reclaimed the WBC belt and retained it via a draw against James Toney in 2006.
At 53, returning to active competition after more than a decade away poses extreme physiological challenges, particularly in the sport’s heaviest division. Lacking ring sharpness and fighting rhythm, aging heavyweights face immense risks when attempting to trade punches against active opponents. With this New York event scrapped entirely, Rahman must find another promoter and venue if he intends to continue his pursuit. For now, Foreman’s record remains safe, and Rahman’s improbable path back toward a world title remains blocked.
