Greg Hardy bags decision win over Hasim Rahman Jr

Austin, Texas's Moody Theater - Boxing newbie Greg Hardy (2-0, 1 KO) stunned the far more experienced Hasim Rahman Jr. by dropping, rocking, and decisioning him (12-2, 6 KOs)

It was scored 39-36 by all three judges.

After Rahman's original opponent, MMA legend Vitor Belfort, tested positive for COVID-19, Hardy accepted the fight on short notice. Hardy previously played for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL and won seven UFC fights.

On October 8, Hardy won his pro debut with a second-round knockout.

Rahman Jr., the son of former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, was supposed to fight Jake Paul in August. Rahman's managers stated that he would be unable to meet the stipulated catch-weight of 205 pounds, and the match was called off.

Rahman's fight with Hardy was his first since suffering a stoppage loss to McKenzie Morrison in April.

Rahman started the fight with quick punches in the opening round. Rahman was punching and moving. Hardy, who was much slower, was rocked by a left hand but remained on his feet and continued on his way. When Hardy pressed Rahman against the ropes, he rallied with a variety of punches. Few of those punches connected because Rahman stopped them with his guard.

Rahman was in deep trouble in the second when he was rocked by multiple powerful blows that appeared to be close to finishing him off. Rahman was able to withstand the attack. Hardy was exhausted from throwing so many punches. During an exchange, Hardy would drop a large bomb on Rahman. Rahman got back up and beat the count. Rahman delivered a strong counter and rocked Hardy again in the last seconds.

During the third round, Hardy rocked Rahman with an uppercut that nearly knocked him out for the second time. As Rahman was flying backward and being held up by the ropes, the referee blew a knockdown call. Hardy was chasing Rahman as he tried to regain control of his legs. While Hardy was trying to land another powerful punch, Rahman was jabbing and moving.

Both had early moments in the fourth and final round. Rahman was hit on the nose by a counter, resulting in blood. Hardy was working his way in with a jab, while Rahman, who appeared exhausted and hurt, was using his legs to circle the ring and steer clear of trouble, firing hardly no punches.