Zahir Raheem

{{Infobox boxer

| name = Zahir Raheem

| image =

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| real_name =

| nickname = King Raheem
Z-Man

| weight = Lightweight
Featherweight

| height = 5 ft 6 in

| reach = 70 in

| nationality = American

| birth_name =

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|November|7}}

| birth_place = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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| style = Orthodox

| boxrec = 019994

| total = 38

| wins = 35

| KO = 21

| losses = 3

| draws =

| no contests =

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Zahir Raheem (born November 7, 1976) is an American boxer. Known as "King Raheem", his current professional record stands at 35 wins, 3 losses with 21 knockouts.

Amateur career

Raheem enjoyed a stellar amateur career, which included a 213–4 record, 15–1 against international competition, and a spot in the 1996 U.S. Olympic team.

Professional career

He turned professional on November 16, 1996, with a 4th-round KO win over Clifford Watford.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/03/zahir-raheem-ready-to-step-it-up-against-higher-caliber-opposition/ |title=Zahir Raheem ready to step it up against higher caliber opposition |publisher=Boxingnews24.com |date=2014-03-06 |access-date=2014-05-01}} Being among the less touted of the '96 U.S. Olympians, Raheem worked his way up the rankings slowly, before finally receiving a shot against Rocky Juarez. Raheem lost to Juarez.

Raheem's next big fight was against legendary Mexican Erik Morales on September 10, 2005, in the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Morales was a heavy favorite and the matchup was viewed as warmup for his already scheduled superfight against Manny Pacquiao. Raheem surprised everyone by dominating the fight from the beginning by using excellent footwork and body movement, and never let Morales find his rhythm. Raheem won by unanimous decision, winning Ring Magazine upset of the year for 2005, and cemented himself as a lightweight contender.

On April 29, 2006, Zahir Raheem lost by split decision against Acelino Freitas for the recently vacated WBO Lightweight title. This was Raheem's first world title fight. On July 5, 2008, Raheem was knocked out by a South African boxer Ali Funeka.