Writer’s Predictions: Hasim Rahman vs. Monte Barrett.

These two fighters are considered the best chances of any other heavyweights around to dethrone WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. Rahman already knows the taste of championship glory, having shocked former undisputed champion Lennox Lewis in five rounds on that infamous night in Carnival

City, South Africa, 2001. Barrett has yet to compete in a world championship fight, but few heavyweights can claim to be more deserving. Barrett saw victory disappear before his eyes when he fought former contender Joe Mesi to a ten round decision, and the New Yorker has become known as the division’s gatekeeper. Rahman has plans to return to the championship fold in a blaze of glory since rededicating himself and blasting out New Zealander Kali Meehan last year. But Barrett is quite skillful at destroying the best intentions of fighters, as shown when he inflicted the first defeat upon Jamaica’s Owen Beck earlier this year.

Whoever wins will fight Klitschko for the title, but exactly which of Rahman and Barrett will prevail is something you will just have to check in with the SaddoBoxing writer’s to find out.

Curtis McCormick: Hasim Rahman has already proved that he’s taking this fight seriously by weighing in at 236-pounds. The Baltimorean has a superb jab and when he works behind it, presents a difficult problem for opponents to contend with. Barrett has steadily improved through his school of hard knocks education and has won two good fights on the spin. He will be ceding weight, power and experience advantages to Rahman and his best hope is that he can frustrate the former world champion into looking for one punch and thereby giving away rounds. Rahman is the favorite and has everything to lose but having sat ringside in St. Louis for Barrett’s most recent fight against Owen Beck, I saw the New Yorker catch not a small amount of punishment from a far less accomplished foe than “The Rock.” Not a good sign and I’ll take Rahman by decision.

Shaun Rico LaWhorn: The heavyweight division is the crown of boxing, but its shine has slowly been decreasing. We have two heavyweight contenders with desire to win, but the desire to be champion is still a profound thought. Now, Hasim Rahman 40-5 (33 KOs) is entering a fight Monte Barrett 31-3 (17 KOs) a boxer who is making progress with his rebirth and interest into the sport of boxing. Both of these fighters are similar in height and reach. Rahman has the experience and the championship rounds in his corner. Barrett has a solid repetition with a quality punch. This fight will start at a slow pace. Rounds one to three will be in favor for Rahman. The middle rounds will be interesting, as the fight will pick up and the power shots will start. Both of these fighters have been in the ring with some powerful boxers and I think their hearts will be tested and both boxers will display this trait. Expect both fighters to hit the canvas, but Rahman will get the best of Barrett and this fight will end by way of a stunning knockout, and Rahman will be the man to throw that powerful punch.

Keith McMenamin: I predict that Hasim Rahman will defeat Monte Barrett via seventh round knockout. I base this decision on the fact that Rahman has fought in the spotlight before and left a winner. At times in the past his training habits have been suspect and his weight can be downright flabby. After a lousy stretch, which did not see a win over the likes of Tua, Ruiz and Holyfield, Rock seems slightly rededicated due to the fact the heavyweight division is up for grabs. He is currently riding a five-fight winning streak and has the punching power to knock out anyone in the business.

Against the other turnbuckle we have Monte Barrett who has never beaten a name contender. To his credit he is more of a boxer than a brawler and if Rahman shows up out of shape, Barrett could run circles around him. If it comes to a decision Barrett could be jobbed even if he deserves it because of his low name value. The only way Barrett can win is by knockout, yet he has only seventeen career knockouts.

For Rahman to win he cannot chance it going into the late rounds. In the beginning Barrett may flash his skills but “The Rock” will eventually catch him with a bomb. The experience factor plays a role too. Rahman is a former heavyweight champion of the world while Barrett’s resume includes losses to the likes of “Goofi” Whitaker, Joe Mesi, and the other Klitschko. None of whom can be considered a top-flight contender. With some new blood coming up through the ranks like Samuel Peter, Calvin Brock and Tye Fields, it is time to weed out the pretenders in the division. Monte Barrett will be the first to be brushed out.

Katrina Walters: First off, Rahman is a great fighter and he had his share of fame and success. Rahman knows what it really feels like to be at the top, however short his reign was. Barrett is also a great fighter and is determined to stake his claim as the number one heavyweight in the division, and his thinking is definitely justified because of the state of the heavyweights and the fact that there is no real, defined champion. I like both fighters and both fighters are very good friends but this is a tough one to call. Barrett is very hungry and eager, but so is Rahman. I give the fight to Monte Barrett on the scorecards.

Jim Cawkwell: This fight could turn either way. Barrett us more inclined to box and move, whereas Rahman looks to set up the big right hand with a solid jab. What turns my inclination towards Rahman is the fact that he weighed in almost thirty pounds below the 260-pound mark at which he entered the ring to face David Tua during his well-documented career tailspin. Knowing the Rahman of old, one would have to say that the fight would belong to Rahman early, and Barrett late. I think we are dealing with a new Rahman though, and he will hurt Barrett continually before victory is his via a tenth round stoppage.

Greig Johnston: Hasim Rahman is one of the funniest heavyweights out there and I think he’ll have no problems handling Monte Barrett. When he’s on, Rahman has hand-speed to trouble pretty much anyone while Barrett is very upright and tailor made for Rahman’s shots. I think Rahman wins by knockout in five rounds. And I’ll be glad, because I enjoy listening to Rahman wind people up. If a fight with Rahman and the Terminator could ever be made, the press conference would be worth the ticket price alone. See the Creed/Drago press conference for taste. “The man’s tongue didn’t come through customs!”

Lee Bellfield: There is more on this in my preview analysis. It all depends which Rahman shows up. Rahman is coming off an impressive performance against Meehan. Arguably with the heavyweight division being the most open in years, this is a chance for both fighters to break back into the big time. Barrett for me is one of those fighters who is just so damn hard to look good against. Rahman has the punch and for me that is what will be the difference maker. Rahman is the name fighter looking for Klitschko. I will be surprised if Hasim stops Barrett but I tip him to win a decision.

Contact Jim Cawkwell at jimcawkwell@yahoo.co.uk