Zahir Raheem facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zahir Raheem |
|
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | King Raheem Z-Man |
| Rated at | Lightweight Featherweight |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in |
| Reach | 70 in |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | November 7, 1976 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 38 |
| Wins | 35 |
| Wins by KO | 21 |
| Losses | 3 |
Zahir Raheem (born November 7, 1976) is an American boxer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is known by his cool nickname, "King Raheem." Throughout his professional career, he has won 35 fights and lost only 3, with 21 of his wins coming by knockout.
Contents
Zahir Raheem's Boxing Journey
Starting as an Amateur
Zahir Raheem had an amazing start in boxing as an amateur. He won 213 fights and only lost 4! He also did very well in international competitions. His skills earned him a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in 1996.
In 1996, he won the Bantamweight Olympic Trials. He beat several strong boxers to get his spot. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, he competed in the Bantamweight division. He won his first fight against Jong-Gil Oh from North Korea. However, he lost in the second round to Arnaldo Mesa from Cuba.
Turning Professional
Zahir Raheem became a professional boxer on November 16, 1996. His first professional win was a knockout in the fourth round against Clifford Watford. Even though he wasn't as famous as some other Olympians from his year, Zahir worked hard. He slowly moved up the ranks in the boxing world.
Big Fights and Wins
One of Zahir Raheem's most famous fights was on September 10, 2005. He fought against the legendary Mexican boxer Erik Morales in Los Angeles. Many people thought Morales would win easily. They even thought this fight was just a warm-up for Morales before another big match.
But Zahir Raheem surprised everyone! He used his excellent footwork and quick moves to control the fight. He didn't let Morales get comfortable. Zahir won the fight by a unanimous decision, meaning all the judges agreed he was the winner. This huge victory was named the Ring Magazine upset of the year for 2005. It showed everyone that Zahir Raheem was a top contender in the lightweight division.
After this big win, Zahir Raheem fought for his first world title. On April 29, 2006, he challenged Acelino Freitas for the WBO Lightweight title. It was a very close fight, but Zahir lost by a split decision. Later, on July 5, 2008, he was knocked out by a boxer from South Africa named Ali Funeka.
Zahir Raheem continued to box and had more wins. He won the vacant NABO Super lightweight title on January 10, 2014.
Professional Boxing Record Summary
| 38 fights | 35 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 21 | 1 |
| By decision | 14 | 2 |
