Top Rank planned to feature Rahman in the main event of its Feb. 22 Versus-televised card at the Mountaineer Race Track in West Virginia against faded former contender Ray Mercer. However, Top Rank's Bob Arum told ESPN.com that German promoter Universum has contacted him about setting up a more lucrative fight in Germany between Rahman and former title challenger Luan Krasniqi.
"The Germans are talking to me about Rahman going over there to fight Krasniqi in March, so if we can make a deal, we would have to scrap the Mercer fight," Arum said.
Arum said the remaining obstacle to finalizing the deal is for the Germans to agree to use neutral officials, which is probably a good idea considering how notoriously difficult it is for a foreign boxer to win a decision in Germany.
Arum said the Feb. 22 Versus bout probably will still include heavyweight Joe Mesi in his fifth fight since returning from a two-year hiatus following a brain injury.
Whomever Rahman faces, co-manager Steve Nelson said Rahman will have a new head trainer: Marshall Kauffman of Reading, Pa. Kauffman, who replaces Thell Torrence, is best known for his previous work with newly crowned welterweight titlist Kermit Cintron. Rahman has changed trainers like he changes socks. Among others, Rahman has worked with Torrence, Roger Mayweather, Adrian Davis, Buddy McGirt, Tommy Brooks, Don Turner and Bouie Fisher.
"Rock is no longer with Thell. This last run to the title is going to be with Marshall," Nelson told ESPN.com. "For the last run, it was decided to go with a fresh start. Marshall was in the camp helping us get ready for the Maskaev fight, and he and Rock developed a relationship. We think there is chemistry there."
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