Riddick Bowe, the 1988 silver medalist turned professional who gained one of many best heavyweight title bouts ever to turn out to be undisputed champion in 1992. Lennox Lewis, the 1988 gold medalist turned professional who was denied his rightful shot on the aforementioned new champion. What unfolded after their battle fell by way of in 1993 was unlucky. Bowe and Lewis have been set to fulfill once more in 1994, however Lewis was knocked out by Oliver McCall. They have been once more set to conflict in 1996 or 1997, however Bowe discovered himself pickled and retired by Andrew Golota (even in profitable each bouts in opposition to the Highly effective Pole by DQ).
Thus we’ve, what’s in my view, the largest lacking chapter in heavyweight historical past. We addressed quantity 2 final time (George Foreman vs Larry Holmes). So what if Riddick Bowe and Lennox Lewis made the battle occur as initially scheduled again within the early 90s? The overall consensus was that in 1992-1994, Bowe was the extra seasoned and general higher skilled who checked Lewis’s chin for the win. 1995 is a tossup given Bowe had his final standout 12 months and Lewis started quickly bettering beneath the tutelage of Emmanuel Steward. From 1996 onward, most agree that it’s gentle work for Lewis.
Lennox (referred to as the Lion and for good purpose) has a profession he can sleep effectively on each evening till he leaves this earth. He beat all one of the best names from the 90s Silver Age (Bowe being an exception however he’s much less at fault for the battle not occurring. Lewis aged like superb wine and continued his dominance into the 2000s. He avenged each of his losses and finally beat each man he confronted. If something, Lewis could also be what Bowe would’ve been if the previous have been devoted. In fact, it isn’t that straightforward. Lewis maintains (even with the 2 males having squashed their beef as of 2022) that he would’ve overwhelmed Bowe and that Bowe himself is aware of this and was afraid of the battle coming to be.
What do you assume? Did Bowe duck Lewis? Was it extra so Rock Newman’s fault on the negotiation desk? Did Lewis get fortunate it didn’t occur in 1993? Do you consider Emmanuel Steward’s revelation that Eddie Futch didn’t consider his man [Bowe] may take Lewis? Had been the 1988 olympics (regardless of the controversy) a ok evaluation for a way issues would’ve performed out within the professionals? See all these questions? Because of this we’re right here…
At present’s job is to discover what may’ve been within the profession of Riddick Bowe if he have been general extra disciplined and devoted to the game of boxing. Probably the most painful situations for any fan is the reminder that Riddick may’ve (and possibly ought to’ve) gone down as the best. The expertise and bodily presents have been there. Bowe’s profession in actuality is most well-known for the Holyfield trilogy however on this WHAT IF we’re going to lastly reply who would probably win between the would-be rivals Bowe and Lewis. Not simply prime for prime, however within the differing levels of their careers as effectively. Maybe each males’s resumes are missing the opposite (Bowe extra so than Lewis); not anymore. Who do YOU consider would’ve gained at each stage of their profession and if each have been at their best possible?
As soon as once more, no spoilers from me. You’ll have to look at the video to see how I see issues unfolding for Bowe, Lewis, and the 90s heavyweight division. That is what if Riddick Bowe fought Lennox Lewis. A BoxingPedia speciality by TheCharlesJackson, creator of the Boxing Encyclopedia. From my coronary heart to yours. Take pleasure in and don’t overlook to subscribe and share to assist the channel develop.
