THE SPORTSMISTAKES RECORD

Lennox Lewis Underestimates Hasim Rahman

2001 • Boxing • Fighter Mistake • Preparation
Lennox Lewis Underestimates Hasim Rahman — SportsMistakes artwork

THE STORY

On April 22, 2001, at Carnival City Casino in Brakpan, South Africa, Lennox Lewis faced Hasim Rahman for the WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles. Rahman, a 20–1 underdog, knocked out Lewis in the fifth round, capturing the titles and delivering one of boxing's most significant upsets.

TEAMS / PEOPLE: Lennox Lewis, Hasim Rahman

WHY IT MATTERS

This unexpected defeat ended Lewis's six-and-a-half-year unbeaten streak and led to a rematch in November 2001, where Lewis regained his titles.

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