Riddick Bowe on Ringside

[safeerah]

Really sad to hear how slurred his speech is and how delusional he seems. Having said that, he seemed to remember the glory years in detail. Loved how he described Golota, Papa Smurf and his vivid description of warring with Holyfield

He was certainly delusional about Lewis, He threw the belt in the bin to avoid Lewis, Lewis did not avoid him, in fact Lewis fought and ko'ed the dangerous Razor Ruddock to become no 1 challenger for Bowe's title, so took the hard route just to fight him. I think Bowe was mentally scarred by his defeat to Lewis in the Olympic final and never really felt he could beat Lewis, but Bowe was still a good fighter, but his fights with Golota
finished him as a top fighter, had trouble with big fighters like himself.

[palooka]

x2; Riddick was the boss against littler men or non hitters. I do wonder how he'd have fared with Tyson.

[Glyn Leach]

loaded-gloves - Lionel Butler was a real brute of a puncher but, I think, had real problems when he fought Lennox, worse than McCall. What's strange is that he was Bowe's pro debut wasn't he?

Glyn, I remember the poster with Bowe's name on it but for whatever reason it never happened. Shame, because McCall was a hard sell and there wasn't a great turn out for the show. The undercard wasn't too strong, Corrie Saunders replaced Bowe and laboured as the chief support against Garing Lane. The bill struggled for publicity and Correa got stick for throwing a suspender belt on the table at the press conference and telling McCall that was the only belt he'd be leaving London with.

I sneaked into the Peacock gym to watch Lewis spar with Lane and John Ruiz late at night in the build up and Lennox didn't look too good. I thought Ruiz outsped him and Lane was limping and not an
Incidentally, the McCall return was my first trip to Las Vegas but the promotion was very low key. It's the only World title fight I've been to anywhere in the World where there were no programmes for sale.

Cheers Ed, they must still have been considering a match at that point then, presumably. I remember the first the McCall fight wasn't a commercial success, which was disappointing but I understood why in some ways; Lewis was still distrusted as a true Brit and McCall was thought of as Tyson's sparring partner more than a serious challenger. I think the public felt they were being sold short on both counts so didn't support the fight. I'd seen McCall beat Damiani (in Memphis?) a few months earlier and really couldn't see him troubling Lewis. Oh well.

[loaded_gloves]

Ed - yes, Lionel Butler was indeed Bowe's pro debut. Butler had no amateur fights and was having only his second pro fight, against a vastly experienced amateur in Riddick Bowe! In Butler's only previous fight he had also gone six rounds as guess who, Phil Jackson's debut opponent - another vastly experienced amateur! How on earth Butler got over his early beatings and developed into a dangerous, durable, hard punching heavyweight is a mystery. Too bad he was a drug addled lunatic, he really could have been something but got sidetracked.

Glyn - I'm surprised you didn't think Oliver McCall could trouble Lewis - that's basically the opposite of what you wrote in the BM preview, where you wondered if Lewis was taking him for granted and the Bull might well be Lewis's most dangerous opponent to date!

[allahsnackbar]

If you watch the olympic fight between them, Bowe actually easily wins the first round and rips Lewis up on the inside at certain points. He gets caught with a big left hook in the second round which he never really recovered from but in the first round he proved to me that he was the better skilled fighter by quite some way. Anyone can get caught, and Lewis had a lot of power (strange to see him loading up with big left hooks like that).

[Datsue]

Wasn't the one that started Bruno going a left hook?

[Syntax Error]

Really sad to hear how slurred his speech is and how delusional he seems. Having said that, he seemed to remember the glory years in detail. Loved how he described Golota, Papa Smurf and his vivid description of warring with Holyfield

He was certainly delusional about Lewis, He threw the belt in the bin to avoid Lewis, Lewis did not avoid him, in fact Lewis fought and ko'ed the dangerous Razor Ruddock to become no 1 challenger for Bowe's title, so took the hard route just to fight him. I think Bowe was mentally scarred by his defeat to Lewis in the Olympic final and never really felt he could beat Lewis, but Bowe was still a good fighter, but his fights with Golota
finished him as a top fighter, had trouble with big fighters like himself.

This is how I see it.

I don't buy all this stuff about Bowe not being scared, but not fighting Lewis because of Newman.

If Bowe was any kind of man, he'd have insisted to Newman that the fight with Lewis was made.

It was the biggest fight of 1993 by far & there is no reason why it shouldn't have happened.

Bowe was a damn good fighter; albeit very briefly, but he definitely did not fancy his chances against Lewis IMO.

[jamesmcdonnell]

During his brief peak, Bowe was one of the best heavyweights I've ever seen. He beat a prime Holyfield at his own game, going to war with him on the inside and matching him for intensity and output, something nobody else was ever able to do, even Lewis had to keep the fight at range against a slightly shopwarn version.

He wont be remembered as one of the great heavyweight champions, and rightly so, he threw his career away with ill discipline between bouts.

I'd have loved to have seen Bowe v Tyson, I think Bowe would have triumphed, he had one hell of a chin, and the armoury to take mike to the trenches on the inside. I don't think I ever saw a big man with as good an inside game as Bowe, his short hooks and uppercuts were truly devastating.

[yiddo14]

I have always thought Bowe was scared of losing to Lewis, a man he seemed to have genuine hate for back then, as opposed to actually being scared of Lewis. I find it hard to label people like Bowe as simply being scared of people!

We all missed out on a potential trilogy there. If the fight had taken place I don't think Lennox would have fought on as long as he did as his legacy would have been secured earlier. It would have probably led to earlier fights with both Holyfield and Tyson too.

[jamesmcdonnell]

x2; Riddick was the boss against littler men or non hitters. I do wonder how he'd have fared with Tyson.

Hmmm, tell Golota that. Bowe outlasted him mentally in both fights. Golota was mentally weak, but it took someone special to expose that, he was a beast of a man, a big puncher, and was quick with both hands.

[yiddo14]

I must have watched a different pair of fights then! Golota was not only beating him, he was beating him up! Golota being a fruit cake is the only reason he has two losses on his record against Bowe.

[loaded_gloves]

Tell Jorge Luis Gonzalez Bowe couldn't boss big men. He broke Golota's jaw in the rematch when apparently weak & weight drained. Beating Holyfield at his own game is no mean feat, even for a big man, and not to be dismissed. As James correctly pointed out, Lennox Lewis in two fights simply would not dare slug with a 37 year old Holyfield.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I must have watched a different pair of fights then! Golota was not only beating him, he was beating him up! Golota being a fruit cake is the only reason he has two losses on his record against Bowe.

The point is that Bowe just kept on getting up. Bowe was in poor physical condition for both fights, as he had to kill himself to shed so much weight. Yet he had the heart to keep getting off the canvas against a physically fitter man who was trying to take his head off.

Lewis had a better career and was more disciplined, but I very much doubt he could have rallied like that. Bowe had a huge heart and a great chin.

Bowe deserves respect for what he had, as much as he deserves the knocks for what he didn't, namely self discipline.

Eddie Futch was one of the all time great trainers, and he said that Bowe was the most naturally talented fighter he ever worked with, and the biggest waste of talent he ever saw. This was after he and Bowe had parted company, when he had no reason to big up his fighter - I think that says all that needs to be said - sure, Eddie could be wrong, but then again, I guess he knows his boxing.

Jorge Luis Gonzales was being touted as the next big thing when he fought Bowe, he had a stellar amateur career, and was huge and dangerous - Bowe smashed him to pieces and effectively ruined him.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Tell Jorge Luis Gonzalez Bowe couldn't boss big men. He broke Golota's jaw in the rematch when apparently weak & weight drained. Beating Holyfield at his own game is no mean feat, even for a big man, and not to be dismissed. As James correctly pointed out, Lennox Lewis in two fights simply would not dare slug with a 37 year old Holyfield.

As though not slugging with him is a criticism. Lewis liked to keep things at long range, why would he slug with Holyfield?

My point is that Bowe was equally good on the inside or outside, he really did have all the tools. Inside, Lewis was uncomfortable as he could't shorten his shots that effectively, his uppercuts were powerful, but nowhere near as swift or crisp as Bowe's.

[Glyn Leach]

Ed - yes, Lionel Butler was indeed Bowe's pro debut. Butler had no amateur fights and was having only his second pro fight, against a vastly experienced amateur in Riddick Bowe! In Butler's only previous fight he had also gone six rounds as guess who, Phil Jackson's debut opponent - another vastly experienced amateur! How on earth Butler got over his early beatings and developed into a dangerous, durable, hard punching heavyweight is a mystery. Too bad he was a drug addled lunatic, he really could have been something but got sidetracked.

Glyn - I'm surprised you didn't think Oliver McCall could trouble Lewis - that's basically the opposite of what you wrote in the BM preview, where you wondered if Lewis was taking him for granted and the Bull might well be Lewis's most dangerous opponent to date!

That was due to Lewis's mindset rather than McCall's abilities. The fighter I saw beat Damiani no way beats the fighter I saw beat Ruddock.

[Syntax Error]

Ed - great interview with Riddick Bowe. But what was the reason given for not fighting Tyson? I honestly couldn't understand what he said. I played it back a few times but his speech was so slurred I couldn't understand what he said.

I always thought Riddick Bowe could have been an all time great. I hope and pray he doesn't carry out his threat to make a comeback.

Tyson -v- Bowe was never a realistic option.

By the time Bowe hit his peak, Tyson was in jail.

By the time Tyson returned, Bowe was practically on his last legs, even though he was not yet 30.

Tyson then got banned for his cowardice against Holyfield in 1997 & was out of the HW picture until 1999.

Tyson & Bowe just never really had the opportunity to have a fight when both were still 'living'.

[Jon Saxon]

Wasn't the one that started Bruno going a left hook?

Aye, left hook off the ropes. Cracking shot, then he went for right hands and at one point he held Bruno's head steady and whacked in a whopping great uppercut. It was the first time I noticed the intense man love for Lewis from George Foreman as he felt that pulling out that shot in a tough fight showed that Len had all the tools to become an ATG.

And he was right.


PS Bowe should have been DQ'd against Tillery as not only did he hit him after the bell but his manager was up on the ringside apron.

[Glyn Leach]

Wasn't the one that started Bruno going a left hook?

Aye, left hook off the ropes. Cracking shot, then he went for right hands and at one point he held Bruno's head steady and whacked in a whopping great uppercut. It was the first time I noticed the intense man love for Lewis from George Foreman as he felt that pulling out that shot in a tough fight showed that Len had all the tools to become an ATG.

And he was right.


PS Bowe should have been DQ'd against Tillery as not only did he hit him after the bell but his manager was up on the ringside apron.

Look at the size of the ring in the Tillery fight too, ridiculously small for big heavyweights. That was one of Rock's favourite tricks.

[Bricks]

How good was he? before my time just about, barring his comeback in the 2000s

well he was good enough in his prime 1992-1996 to have handled both the klitchkos in my opinion....but i do think his 92 incarnation in particular is quite overrated...i dont think he was as good as a peak Tyson or Lewis.

[palooka]

And he was right.


PS Bowe should have been DQ'd against Tillery as not only did he hit him after the bell but his manager was up on the ringside apron.

Look at the size of the ring in the Tillery fight too, ridiculously small for big heavyweights. That was one of Rock's favourite tricks.

I think both were at fault and the officials created a situation that blew up. The problem with this fight and the Mathis one is that they show Bowe in a bad light as a guy who would lash out if frustrated. There were quite a few cases of Bowe showing mental weakness, a single shining example of him showing many strengths (Holy ). I'm a big fan of Big Daddy but happily admit that any claims I make on his behalf are almost purely based on the first Holyfield fight as it was the only time in his career when he showed world class licks against a live opponent.

I can remember him belting Larry Donald very hard at the weigh in and when he kidnapped his wife and kids with a knife didn't show Bowe at his best either.

[stujones]

Lewis vs Bowe would not have been the biggest fight in 1993. The biggest fight in 1993 would always have been Bowe vs Holyfield 2 given the intensity and drama of fight 1. It really wasn't just the Heavyweight fight of the year, but it was also one for the ages.... Holyfield and Bowe was the Ali - Frazier of the 90's.

Also, although it never happened, it could be argued that any fight involving Foreman would have been bigger in terms of box office than Lewis in 1993. Foreman was simply massive in the states on his return.

I've never been too down on Bowe not taking the Lewis fight in 1993 - I think Holyfield was his cash cow and Lewis was far too risky for it.

However, no excuses as to why Bowe didn't offer the fight as WBO champion.... on the flip side, did Lewis offer any fight to Bowe during his second reign as WBC champion. I know Bowe retired after Golota, but just wondering did Lewis mention fighting Bowe in 1997.

James, Gonzales had a stellar amateur record yes and was big - but was hardly setting the world alight in the pro's (I don't think anyone who saw him fight was believing he was the next big thing).... he was rediculously green before he fought Bowe.

[big lennox]

Lewis vs Bowe would not have been the biggest fight in 1993. The biggest fight in 1993 would always have been Bowe vs Holyfield 2 given the intensity and drama of fight 1. It really wasn't just the Heavyweight fight of the year, but it was also one for the ages.... Holyfield and Bowe was the Ali - Frazier of the 90's.

Also, although it never happened, it could be argued that any fight involving Foreman would have been bigger in terms of box office than Lewis in 1993. Foreman was simply massive in the states on his return.

I've never been too down on Bowe not taking the Lewis fight in 1993 - I think Holyfield was his cash cow and Lewis was far too risky for it.

However, no excuses as to why Bowe didn't offer the fight as WBO champion.... on the flip side, did Lewis offer any fight to Bowe during his second reign as WBC champion. I know Bowe retired after Golota, but just wondering did Lewis mention fighting Bowe in 1997.

James, Gonzales had a stellar amateur record yes and was big - but was hardly setting the world alight in the pro's (I don't think anyone who saw him fight was believing he was the next big thing).... he was rediculously green before he fought Bowe.

Lewis always wanted to fight Bowe, even after the Golota fights.I remember him saying that "there is a bit more stuffing in there for me to knock out of him". I am big fan of Lennox but that comment made me feel a bit uncomfortable, because Bowe had just had the crap kicked out of him and was really badly slurring his words in the ring interview, and really had no fight left in him.

Bowe's first and 2nd fights with Holyfield were amazing. On the first night he would have been a handful for any heaveyweight, I think.It says a lot about Evander too that he went back in with him 2 more times knowing what a difficult assignment it would be.

It's interesting seeing Bowe on ringside.His words are slurred but mentally he still seems pretty alert and happy.It wasn't as sad as I was expecting it to be and I am pleased about that.

[stujones]

Yes big lennox, whilst it was still sad to watch IMO, it was still better than I expected to see him. Considering he used "brain damage" in his defence for some of his legal problems after his career. He did seem sharp mentally, although his speech was terrible.... It is open to debate as to his talent in terms of the greats (far too short a career at the top to judge and only beat one decent fighter). However, I think Bowe was certainly one of the more charismatic heavyweight champions. He could really talk well in his prime.

Should never get licenced now though

[big lennox]

I really hope that he does not do any sparring let alone have comeback fights. As you say, Riddick was a very good talker and always came over as someone that was approachable and fan friendly.I think fundementally he is a nice guy.

Looking back, what I found alarming in Bowe's career was directly after the 2nd Golota fight, when he was interviewed in the ring. There was a sudden change in his speech.He was very clear before that fight and then literally after the fight he sounded badly slurred. I also remember him having no balance in that fight even without being hit.Losing all that weight so quickly really affected him. The fact that he was so weak and had no balance, then took a shellacking but got back into it shows remarkable character. Like James Toney I can only wonder what he would have acheived if he had lived and trained right.

[BO Selecta]

And the prize for the most deluded boxer of all time goes to .................................................

How deluded is Mr Bowe?

He is so deluded that he is now rewriting history!

He claimed on Ringside that Lennox Lewis did not want to fight HIM!

Yes, the same Lennox Lewis that was so desperate to fight Bowe that he said they could fight for nothing & give the money to Africa.

OK, this might have been bravado on Lewis' part, but Bowe could easily have called his bluff, but didn't.

I hope Riddick gets over this delusion & doesn't embark on a comeback, because I'd fear for him.

PS: what is the lump on the Right side of his skull?