By Boxing Bob Newman
In a somewhat surprising result, extremely unheralded 40-year old Phil Triantafillo outworked and outlasted former two-time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman over six hard-fought rounds in Lowell, Indiana tonight. The 54-year-old Rahman was returning to the ring after a 13-year hiatus. This campaign had been dubbed “Making History” as the “Rock” was looking to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Trained by former WBC bantamweight champion Wayne McCullough, Rahman had shed over 50 lbs and had a reasonably good looking physique compared to Triantafillo, who looked as though he could benefit from losing 50 lb himself. But those who know boxing will tell you, a body beautiful doesn’t mean you can fight.
Triantafillo was busy from round one to the final bell. He often backed Rahman up, landing several telling blows to the head and body. Rahman tried his best to keep the pace, but just didn’t have the gas nor it seemed, the arsenal. The final scores were 59-55 and 58-56 twice, all for the now 5-4, 1 KO Triantafillo. Rahman’s grand plans have been derailed for sure, as one couldn’t imagine how he’d fare against any credible heavyweight. He falls to 50-10-2, 41 KOs.,
