"Find and destroy!" That is the name the organizers gave to the duel that Vitali Klitschko will hold on November 12 at the Las Vegas "Thomas & Mack Center," defending his WBC world champion belt against the interim holder of this title, Hasim "The Rock" Rahman.
On September 19, the official start of the promotion for this duel was given. The press conference held in the Los Angeles "Beverly Hills Hotel's Crystal Ballroom" became the first of three press conferences that Vitali Klitschko and Hasim Rahman will hold this week, also in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.
However, a special feature of this press conference was that Vitali and Hasim were officially introduced to each other for the first time as opponents and had the opportunity to express everything that had boiled up in their souls while looking each other directly in the eyes.
The press conference was opened by the head of the promotional company "Top Rank," Bob Arum, who so famously put one over on Don King by taking the promotion for the Vitali vs. Rahman bout right out from under his nose.
"I am very glad to present to your attention a duel which, long before it became a reality, had already generated enormous interest on the part of both fans and boxing experts," stated Bob Arum. – "This duel is rightly called the 'Fight of the Year' and you will be able to see for yourselves the correctness of this statement. I want to thank everyone involved in organizing this duel, which we await with great impatience."
Then Hasim Rahman's manager Steve Nelson approached the microphone: "Rahman is the man who will defeat Klitschko by knocking him out. This victory will be entirely natural after Hasim dealt with Kali Meehan and defeated Monte Barrett. The next one whom Hasim will defeat on his path to the world champion title will be none other than Vitali Klitschko."
After this loud speech, the manager of the promotional company "K2 Promotions," Tom Loeffler, approached the microphone: "This will be a rather spectacular and intriguing fight, which is quite anticipated by boxing fans around the world. In this duel, Vitali will be able to prove that today he is the strongest heavyweight on the planet."
After that, Hasim Rahman approached the microphone.
"On November 12 you will witness my triumph. I currently hold the interim WBC world champion title, but in the duel with Klitschko I will rightfully hold the title that should belong to me," Rahman fired himself up. – "I do not avoid fights and have always been ready to step into the ring against great boxers, because one can prove one's strength only in bouts against strong opponents. I look forward to the opportunity to step into the ring against Vitali and knock him out. My time has come and I will prove that I am the strongest fighter in the heavyweight division."
Then it was Vitali's turn to speak.
"First of all, I want to apologize to boxing fans for such a long pause. There's nothing to be done... Injuries are an integral part of boxing. However, I am 100% ready to return to the ring and show excellent physical form and excellent preparation in the duel with Rahman," Vitali began. At this time, Rahman rose from his seat and disappeared behind the stage. Vitali somewhat surprisedly followed his departure with his eyes and continued. – "I have read a lot about Rahman's statements in which he said that I was avoiding a duel with him. But now I am ready to meet him in the ring...."
At this time, Hasim appeared in front of the stage dressed in an apron, and on his head Hasim had a chef's cap. In his hands he held a tray on which stood a plate with a chicken cut into pieces lying on it. This caused laughter in the hall. Rahman solemnly approached Vitali and... presented him with such an unusual gift. Vitali, smiling, accepted it, and having thanked Rahman, leaned toward the microphone, asking him whether he had cooked this chicken himself. Having received a negative answer from Hasim, Vitali, glancing at his watch, said: "I don't know what to call this dish — breakfast, lunch, or dinner... But I don't see any dessert. So I will bring you dessert in the ring on November 12!"