Undefeated heavyweight prospect Travis "GW Hope" Kauffman, 5-0 3KO's has been enlisted as one of the main sparring partners for team Rahman.  Kauffman not only brings to the table his much talked about speed and skill, but first hand experience in going toe to toe with Rahman's mandatory defense, Oleg Maskeav.  In preparation for Sinan Samil Sam, Travis was one of the main sparring partners for Maskaev.  Team Maskaev again asked Travis to comeback and help him prepare for Hasim Rahman, but when the WBC champion and "America's Last Line of Defense" asked Travis if he was available, the young prospect felt he could not turn the offer down.  
 
"Hasim Rahman has gone out of his way to make me feel at home.  We are getting in some good work and I feel I will be a different fighter at the end of this camp."  Although the young Kauffman does not have a fight scheduled as of now, the plan is to have at least 6 more fights by the end of the year which makes being in camp with Rahman, some of the best preparation he can possible receive.  And with personal hands on experience sparring Oleg Maskaev, Travis feels he brings a priceless education into the camp.  "With my experience against Maskaev, I feel that my father and I can help Rahman learn Maskaev's strengths and weaknesses.  Oleg is a very good fighter, and Rahman will have to be at his best to avenge his loss."   
 
When Travis says that Hasim Rahman has gone out of his way to make the Kauffman's feel at home, this writer has no doubts.  In Travis' last fight, W UD6 David Cleague, Hasim Rahman made the trip out to Reading PA to show his support for the young heavyweight.  In the picture above, you can see Rahman walking out with Travis for his ring entrance.  "Support like that is immeasurable," says father, trainer and co-manager Marshal Kauffman.  "For the heavyweight champion coming out to support my son, it's a great confidence builder and a great feeling.  Rahman is just a real down to earth guy and we love being in his camp."  
 
Travis Kauffman is in great company for a young, burgeoning star.  With his hand speed, foot speed, head movement, ability to switch, and overall boxing skill, the main thing Travis Kauffman lacks is experience.  Spending 5-6 weeks sparring the WBC Heavyweight champion of the world will be a solid leap forward for one of the heavyweight divisions best prospects.