Hasim Rahman gets heavyweight title

Mexico City:

The World Boxing Council voted on Thursday to give its heavyweight title to Hasim Rahman, one day after champion Vitali Klitschko announced his retirement. Five days ago, Klitschko, facing a six-month recovery after tearing a ligament in his right knee, withdrew from a title defense against Rahman in Las Vegas. "The WBC has already received a majority of votes from its governing council to declare Hasim Rahman undisputed world heavyweight champion,'' the council said in a press statement. The council said it had received 20 votes - all in favor of Rahman - out of the 35 total members of the governing body. Klitschko retired because of his injuries, noting in a Wednesday statement that "I've been fighting injuries recently more than facing rivals in the ring.'' The 34-year-old Klitschko hurt his knee while sparring last week in preparation for the bout. The WBC said earlier this week that Rahman would be given Klitschko's title if the Ukrainian failed to defend it within three months. Rahman has held the title before, in 2001, before losing it to Lennox Lewis later the same year. Klitschko's retirement also means the top heavyweight champions are all controlled by promoter Don King, who said he wanted Rahman to defend the title against James Toney and for the winner to join the other title holders in a tournament to crown a real heavyweight champion. (AP)