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Sharif Rahman (3-0, 2 KOs) relocated from Baltimore to Las Vegas after his father, Hasim Rahman, won the heavyweight title with a 2001 knockout of Lennox Lewis. On Saturday night, February 6th, the young Rahman will make his Philadelphia debut at 2300 Arena. He’ll seek his fourth professional victory in devastating fashion against Gladimir Jacinto (0-2). The elusive counter punching Rahman is coming into the bout with a goal to dominate opponents on his way to the top. “On the way up, you need to not only beat these guys but look sensational doing it,” Rahman said. “That is what I plan on doing moving up. On Saturday February 6th, my opponent better be ready for a nap. After the fight is over, I will wish him good health, but until then it’s war.” Rahman carries a fierce warrior-like mindset when he steps into the ring, and looks to show that on Saturday. “My mindset is war,” he said. “I am in a warrior state of mindset when I’m fighting. It’s him or me in there. I got kids to feed, so he’s got to go.” Despite only having three professional fights, Rahman is no rookie to the fight business. In addition to being the son of the former champion, he is also the brother of Hasim Rahman Jr., who is currently a 9-0 heavyweight prospect.
Sharif put together a successful amateur resume before turning pro. “I was 43-7 in amateurs,” he said. “I won three national titles, junior golden gloves, Ringside world championships. I was on Team USA, and went to worlds.” Rahman has also worked with some of the best, including Floyd Mayweather Sr., Floyd Mayweather Jr., along with his legendary father. Rahman’s nickname is “C3”, which was given to him after being the third champion in his family. “C3 comes from being the third champion in my family. I got the nickname after I won my first national amateur title,” Rahman said. Rahman looks to the success of his father as inspiration for his own career. “When I saw my dad knockout Lewis, it changed our whole life,” Sharif said. “I was 5 or 6 years old. After the fight, I noticed people treated my dad like the king of the world. Ever since that day I begged him to let me box.” Sharif notes how his father’s success in the ring changed the life of his family, and he hopes to do the same for his children. “I had a good life growing up,” he said. “I want to provide for my kids the same way. I want them to get a good education and give them a good life. Every parent is supposed to give their kids a better life, so I need to make sure they have that. I also want them to remember their dad as a legend, in the same way that I admire my dad.” Rahman has seen first-hand what it takes to get to the top. From sparring with a national champion on the first day he ever boxed to studying his opponents with a “mamba mentality”, Rahman is determined to achieve the highs of the fight game.
This mindset, along with his high-level work ethic, might just lead Rahman to a world title one day. Rahman has a goal of being a world champion, and wants do it across multiple weight classes. “I want to be an undisputed champion or multiple division champion,” he said. “Possibly (at) 147, 154, and 160. When your ability and potential is matched with hard work, that’s when you see great fighters. That is the difference between good and great fighters, and I am striving to be a great one.” Sharif Rahman will look to rock the 2300 Arena when he takes on Gladimir Jacinto on Saturday night on Rodney Rice’s fourth pro boxing promotion. The show includes six bouts in total, with a featherweight fight between Donald “No Love” Smith (10-0, 6 KOs) and William Foster III (11-0, 8 KOs, 1 NC) in the main event spot. The full card can be streamed through Fite.tv or the FITE app for $9.99 beginning at 7:00 PM. |
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“I’ll
know everything about my opponents,” he said. “I’ll know where they
live and what gym they train out of. I’ll know their tendencies,
everything about them. This is a part of my preparation and
mindset.”