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Steward cautious over Rahman

Trainer taking challenge of The Rock 'very seriously'

Last updated: 12th December 2008

Rahman: A threat

We expect a very tough fight. Wladimir considers him the most dangerous one-punch fighter he's ever faced.

Emanuel Steward
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Emanuel Steward insists IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko is taking the challenge of Hasim Rahman "very seriously".

Former two-time world titlist Rahman may now be 36 and have accepted the fight at late notice following Alexander Povetkin's withdrawal, but the American remains a threat having record 36 knockouts in his 45 wins.

And Steward knows only too well of about Rahman's power having been in Lennox Lewis' corner when The Rock stunned the world in 2001 by knocking out the then WBC and IBF champion.

But despite doubts over Klitschko's punch resistance - Ross Puritty, Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster have all put him down - Steward insists his current charge will be ready for everything Rahman throws at him in Germany on Saturday night.

"Wladimir is very focused. He realises how dangerous a puncher Hasim is," Steward said.

"We take him very seriously. We consider him more dangerous than Povetkin.

"We expect a very tough fight. Wladimir considers him the most dangerous one-punch fighter he's ever faced."