On This Day, Oleg Maskaev conquered WBC heavyweight title

Oleg Maskaev from Kazakhstan stopped Hasim Rahman from USA in the 12^th round, conquering the WBC heavyweight title.

Maskaev seemed headed for a narrow defeat in an entertaining fight until he sprung to life in the final round, knocking the champion into the ropes with a series of heavy blows.

Rahman, obviously hurt after setting the pace early on, desperately tried to hold on until the final bell, even grabbing Maskaev’s leg as he stumbled to the mat, but referee Jay Nady stopped the fight with 43 seconds left after one last beating in front of a frenzied Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas.