By Scoop Malinowski

Hasim Rahman has been called “the future undisputed heavyweight champion of the world” by Don King. And if The Rock can eliminate The Quiet Man John Ruiz on December 13th on that mega card at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, he will be in perfect position to fulfill his promoter’s proclamations.

Rock can attain the WBA Interim title by getting past Ruiz, which would force current WBA champ Roy Jones to fight him some time next year. And that’s an intriguing bout considering Rahman’s excellent jab, overall size, strength and still-improving boxing skills.

Here’s the latest from Hasim Rahman…

BoxingInsider.com: - How important is this fight with Ruiz for you?

Hasim Rahman: “Very important. I just got tunnel vision on John Ruiz. This will probably be the most exciting fight on the card. When you get in there with that kind of talent surrounding you, you want to be the best. And the one that stands out. When people walk away from Boardwalk Hall on December 13th, I want ‘Hasim Rahman’ to be the name that rings in their ears and stays in their minds. I know Hopkins, Joppy, Mayorga and Spinks are all trying to make big statements, but I’m going to make the biggest statement when I fight Ruiz.”

BoxingInsider.com: You recently re-located to Las Vegas, how’s that move working out?

Hasim Rahman: “Excellent. I’ve been out enough time, getting acclimated. Feeling real good, real strong, coming along just right. I’ve got Roger Mayweather teaching me some new things, even little Floyd is showing me some tricks.”

BoxingInsider.com: What are the strengths of Ruiz as a fighter?

Hasim Rahman: “He’s a tough, tough fighter. Just like a street fight with him.”

BoxingInsider.com: What is going to be the difference in this fight?

Hasim Rahman: “Well, I never fought John Ruiz. I just know he’s a rough, tough guy that comes out, likes to bang, likes to get physical and aggressive. So I’m gonna be willing to just go out and put it all on the line. Get him out of there.”

BoxingInsider.com: A lot of people don’t realize you have only been boxing for not even ten years. You turned pro in December of 1994 and won 29 fights in a row (against the likes of Ross Puritty, Trevor Berbick, Obed Sullivan, Jesse Ferguson, Jeff Wooden, etc.), with barely any experience.

Hasim Rahman: “I haven’t been boxing that long. This boxing stuff is new to me. I was a fighter first and I’m always a fighter. My best is yet to come.”

BoxingInsider.com: What did you think of James Toney’s performance against Holyfield?

Hasim Rahman: “Well, I think it was an excellent performance. He looked good, he looked strong at heavyweight. I mean, he looked good, he looked dominating. Can’t hate on him, he did what he’s supposed to do. I think he retired Holyfield, well, he should.”

BoxingInsider.com: What fighter out there do you want the most?

Hasim Rahman: “Lennox Lewis. I feel we got some unfinished business. He feels like he didn’t prepare for me for the first fight, I felt like I underestimated him in the second fight. I feel like - a third fight - both of us have felt each other’s best. Both of us will be prepared.”

Scoop Malinowski is a Boxinginsider.com contributor.