Baltimore, MD - While the state of Maryland is primarily known for its strong presence in basketball, football, and baseball, it has also produced lesser-known sports and sporting icons. With the rise of online betting platforms offering a diverse selection of sports, interest in other athletic pursuits has grown. Notably, soccer has gained significant traction, driven by improved broadcasting agreements, dedicated efforts from local clubs, and the vast array of soccer betting markets available online.

However, as reported by MDBetting.com, Maryland has also made its mark in other sports, including some unexpected ones. Surprisingly, the state has produced a number of heavyweight boxers who have competed on the international stage. Let’s take a closer look at some of these fighters and their notable achievements.

Hasim Rahman

At the top of the list is Hasim Rahman, one of Maryland's most accomplished heavyweight boxers. Born in 1972, Rahman enjoyed a professional career spanning from 1994 to 2014. Over the course of two decades, he captured the world heavyweight title twice, cementing his place in boxing history.

Rahman first rose to global prominence in 2001, when he scored a shocking knockout victory over Lennox Lewis to claim the WBC, IBF, Lineal, and IBO heavyweight titles. He later regained championship status in 2005, securing the WBC title once again. From 2000 to 2007, Rahman remained a fixture in the heavyweight rankings, consistently breaking into the world’s top ten, with his highest ranking reaching number six in 2000.

Beyond his own career, Rahman’s legacy continues through his son, Hasim Rahman Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps and competes in the heavyweight division.

Cassius Chaney

Born in 1987, Cassius Chaney has made a solid impact on the international heavyweight boxing scene. In 2019, he captured the WBC-USNBC Silver heavyweight title with a dominant third-round knockout victory over Nick Jones.

Chaney began his professional boxing career in 2015 and has compiled an impressive record, securing 17 wins with only two losses. Interestingly, his journey into boxing came later than most, as he was initially a standout basketball player. He played college basketball at the University of New Haven before making the transition to the ring.

George Chaplin

The oldest boxer on the list, George Chaplin, was born in 1951 in Baltimore. Before stepping into the boxing ring, Chaplin served in the Air Force and had an unusual introduction to the sport—learning some of his skills while working as a refrigerator repairman in Thailand. Throughout his career, he always maintained side jobs to supplement his income.

Chaplin made his professional debut in 1976 with a second-round knockout of Johnny Blaine and followed it up with six consecutive victories. While he never reached the heights of some of his contemporaries, he was considered one of the most promising heavyweights in 1980 at the age of 29. After more than a decade in the sport, Chaplin retired in 1987 following a loss to Jesse Ferguson.