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'''Riddick Lamont Bowe''' (born August 10, 1967)<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/sports/14bowe.html | title = Fighter Remains a Champion Optimist | work = The New York Times | first = John | last = Branch | date = June 13, 2009 | accessdate = May 10, 2012}}</ref> is an American [[boxing|boxer]]. He is a former two-time [[list of heavyweight boxing champions|world heavyweight champion]], having first won the [[World Boxing Association|WBA]], [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] and [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] titles in 1992, thus becoming [[undisputed champion|undisputed]] heavyweight champion. Bowe's second reign as heavyweight champion was in 1995 when he won the [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] title. He retired in 1996 but made a return to the ring in 2004; he has currently been inactive since 2008.
'''Riddick Lamont Bowe''' (born August 10, 1967)<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/sports/14bowe.html | title = Fighter Remains a Champion Optimist | work = The New York Times | first = John | last = Branch | date = June 13, 2009 | accessdate = May 10, 2012}}</ref> is an American [[boxing|boxer]]. He is a former two-time [[list of heavyweight boxing champions|world heavyweight champion]], having first won the [[World Boxing Association|WBA]], [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] and [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] titles in 1992, thus becoming [[undisputed champion|undisputed]] heavyweight champion. Bowe's second reign as heavyweight champion was in 1995, when he won the [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] title. He retired in 1996, but made a return to the ring in 2004. He has been inactive since 2008, when he won his last pro bout in Germany.


Bowe became the first fighter both to knock down and to defeat [[Evander Holyfield]] when he won over him in 1992 by UD for the undisputed world heavyweight title. Hollyfield won the rematch in 1993 though, but Bowe later became the first fighter to beat Holyfield by TKO, when he won their 2nd rematch in 1995. Bowe's professional boxing record stands at 43–1–0 (1 no contest) with 33 stoppages. Bowe was ranked as the 21st greatest heavyweight of all time in a 2010 article by BoxingScene.<ref>http://www.boxingscene.com/-top-25-heavyweights-all-time-top-ten--26161</ref>
Bowe became the first fighter to knock down and defeat [[Evander Holyfield]] when he defeated Holyfield for the world heavyweight title in 1992 by unanimous decision for the undisputed world heavyweight title. Holyfield won the rematch by decison when he regained the title from Bowe in 1993. Bowe later became the first fighter to stop Holyfield by TKO, when he won their third match in 1995. Bowe's professional boxing record stands at 43–1 with one no-contest, and 33 stoppages. Bowe ranked as the 21st greatest heavyweight of all time in a 2010 article by BoxingScene, <ref>http://www.boxingscene.com/-top-25-heavyweights-all-time-top-ten--26161</ref>, was inducted into the 2015 class for the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]].<ref>http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/11978825/riddick-bowe-ray-boom-boom-mancini-highlight-international-boxing-hall-fame-selections</ref>

Bowe is part of the 2015 class for the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]].<ref>http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/11978825/riddick-bowe-ray-boom-boom-mancini-highlight-international-boxing-hall-fame-selections</ref>


==Early years==
==Early years==
Bowe was born on August 10, 1967, the twelfth of his mother Dorothy Bowe's thirteen children.<ref>[http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1004598/index.htm The Family Man]</ref> He was born and raised in the [[Brownsville, Brooklyn|Brownsville]] section of [[Brooklyn]], which at the time was one of [[New York City]]'s most infamous slums. His brother Henry died of [[AIDS]]<ref>http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9810/three.htm</ref> and in 1988 his sister Brenda was stabbed to death by a drug addict during an attempted robbery.<ref>[http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1136084/2/index.htmr But Seriously, Folks,...]</ref>
Bowe was born on August 10, 1967, the twelfth of his mother Dorothy Bowe's thirteen children.<ref> Eleven are still living.[http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1004598/index.htm The Family Man]</ref> Bowe was born and raised in the [[Brownsville, Brooklyn|Brownsville]] section of [[Brooklyn]]. His brother Henry died of [[AIDS]]<ref>http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9810/three.htm</ref>, and his sister Brenda was stabbed to death by a drug addict during an attempted robbery.<ref>[http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1136084/2/index.htmr But Seriously, Folks,...]</ref>


==Amateur boxing career==
==Amateur boxing career==
As an [[amateur boxing|amateur]], Bowe won the prestigious New York Golden Gloves Championship among other tournaments, (in 1984 at the age of 17 he knocked out opponent James Smith in just 4 seconds) and in the 1985 National Golden Gloves championship he lost to Ft. Worth Lt. Hvy. wt. Donald Stephens, and he also won the silver medal in the 1988 [[Seoul Olympics]], stopped in 2 rounds by [[Lennox Lewis]].
As an [[amateur boxing|amateur]], Bowe won the prestigious New York Golden Gloves Championship and other tournaments. In 1984, age 17, he knocked out opponent James Smith in just 4 seconds. In 1985, at the National Golden Gloves championships, he lost to Fort Worth Heavyweight Donald Stephens. Bowe won the silver medal in the 1988 [[Seoul Olympics]], where he was stopped in two rounds by future world heavyweight champion [[Lennox Lewis]].


===Amateur highlights===
===Amateur highlights===
Amateur Record: 104-18
Amateur Record: 104-18
* 1983 at United States Junior Championships, as a [[middleweight]], lost to [[Adolpho Washington]] by 2nd round TKO
* 1983 at United States Junior Championships, as a [[middleweight]], lost to [[Adolpho Washington]] by second round TKO
* 1985 Junior World Champion as a [[light heavyweight]], in competition in Bucharest. Defeated [[Péter Hart (boxer)|Péter Hart]] of Hungary in final.
* 1985 Junior World Champion as a [[light heavyweight]], in competition in Bucharest. Defeated [[Péter Hart (boxer)|Péter Hart]] of Hungary in final.
* 1987 [[Heavyweight]] Bronze Medalist at Pan-American Games in Indianapolis. Lost to [[Jorge Luis Gonzalez]] on points
* 1987 [[Heavyweight]] Bronze Medalist at Pan-American Games in Indianapolis. Lost to [[Jorge Luis Gonzalez]] on points
* 1988 [[Super Heavyweight]] Silver Medalist at [[Boxing at the 1988 Summer Olympics#Super Heavyweight (+ 91&nbsp;kg)|1988 Seoul Olympic Games]]. Results were:
* 1988 [[Super Heavyweight]] Silver Medalist, boxing at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games, the [[1988 Seoul Olympic Games]]. Results were:
** Defeated [[Biko Botowamungu]] (Zaire, Congo) KO 2
** Defeated [[Biko Botowamungu]] (Zaire, Congo) KO 2
** Defeated [[Peter Hrivnak]] (Czechoslovakia) TKO 1
** Defeated [[Peter Hrivnak]] (Czechoslovakia) TKO 1
** Defeated [[Alex Miroshnichenko]] (Soviet Union) points
** Defeated [[Alex Miroshnichenko]] (Soviet Union) on points
** Lost to [[Lennox Lewis]] (Canada) TKO by 2
** Lost to [[Lennox Lewis]] (Canada) TKO by 2


===New York Golden Gloves Champion===
===New York Golden Gloves Championships==
Bowe won four [[New York Golden Gloves]] Championships. Bowe won the 1985 178&nbsp;lb Novice Championship, 1986 178&nbsp;lb Open Championship and the 1987 and 1988 Super Heavyweight Open Championship. Bowe trained at the Bed-Stuy BA.
Bowe won four [[New York Golden Gloves]] Championships. Bowe won the 1985 178&nbsp;lb Novice Championship, 1986 178&nbsp;lb Open Championship and the 1987 and 1988 Super Heavyweight Open Championship. Bowe trained at the Bed-Stuy BA.


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Bowe turned [[professional boxing|professional]] after his Olympic loss. Highly regarded trainer [[Eddie Futch]] took on the job of developing Bowe as he saw the talent. Eddie would say that Bowe had more potential than any boxer he had ever trained.
Bowe turned [[professional boxing|professional]] after his Olympic loss. Highly regarded trainer [[Eddie Futch]] took on the job of developing Bowe as he saw the talent. Eddie would say that Bowe had more potential than any boxer he had ever trained.


Turning professional in March 1989, he knocked out novice (but future #1 contender) [[Lionel Butler]]. His manager [[Rock Newman]] kept Bowe active, fighting 13 times in 1989, beating journeymen, the most notable being [[Garing Lane]], whom he beat twice. In September 1990 he made his first step up in class, fighting faded ex-champ [[Pinklon Thomas]], who he dominated until Thomas was pulled out after 8 rounds. The following month he knocked out [[Bert Cooper]] in two rounds, which added to his reputation and high ranking. By the end of 1990 he had fought 8 times.
Bow turned professional in March 1989, and knocked out [[Lionel Butler]]. His then manager, [[Rock Newman]] kept Bowe active, fighting 13 times in 1989, beating journeymen, the most notable being [[Garing Lane]] whom he beat twice. In September 1990, Bowe made his first step up in class, fighting faded ex-champion [[Pinklon Thomas]], who he dominated until Thomas gave up after eight rounds. The following month, Bowe knocked out [[Bert Cooper]] in two rounds, which added to his reputation and high ranking.


In March 1991 he overcame some rocky opening rounds to knock out the 1984 Olympic Super-Heavyweight Gold medallist [[Tyrell Biggs]]. However his image suffered when in his next fight, slick boxing ex-champ [[Tony Tubbs]], whose own career had suffered with drugs and weight issues, appeared to outbox and outsmart Bowe, only to have the judges award Bowe with a unanimous decision that was jeered loudly by the crowd. In August 1991 he knocked out future champ [[Bruce Seldon]] in one round, and in July 1992 fought [[Pierre Coetzer]] in an eliminator, knocking out the durable South African in 7 rounds.
In March 1991, Bowed knocked k1984 Olympic Super Heavyweight Gold medalist [[Tyrell Biggs]]. In Bowe's next fight, ex-champion [[Tony Tubbs]] appeared to outbox and outsmart Bowe in a close bout, only to have the judges award Bowe a unanimous decision. In August 1991, Bowe knocked out future world heavyweight champion [[Bruce Seldon]] in one round. In July 1992 knocked out South African [[Pierre Coetzer]] in the seventh round of a world title eliminator.


===Fights against Elijah Tillery===
===Fights against Elijah Tillery===
Bowe fought a duo of interesting bouts against journeyman [[Elijah Tillery]] in 1991. Their first fight is known for its bizarre conclusion. Bowe dominated the first round and dropped Tillery. After the round ended, Tillery walked toward Bowe and taunted him and Bowe responded by punching Tillery. Tillery then threw several low kicks at Bowe, who then unleashed a flurry of punches on Tillery as Tillery lay on the ropes. Bowe's trainer, [[Rock Newman]], then grabbed Tillery and pulled him over the ropes as Bowe continued to throw punches. Tillery somersaulted over the ropes and was quickly detained by security.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE6D91F3FF933A05753C1A967958260 | title = BOXING; Bowe Gets the Boot, but Wins | work = The New York Times | first = Phil | last = Berger | date = October 30, 1991 | accessdate = May 22, 2010}}</ref> After order was restored and the fighters returned to the ring, Tillery and Bowe continued a war of words and there continued to be minor incidents as the ring was cleared. Tillery was controversially disqualified for the kicking with Bowe getting the win, much to the surprise of the television announcers.
Bowe fought two interesting bouts against [[Elijah Tillery]] in Atlantic City in 1991. Their first fight at Harrah's Casino was known as the the 'crazy fight' for its bizarre conclusion. Bowe dominated the first round and dropped Tillery. After the round ended, Tillery walked toward Bowe and taunted him, and Bowe responded by punching Tillery. Tillery then threw several low kicks at Bowe, who then unleashed a flurry of punches on Tillery as he lay on the ropes. Bowe's trainer [[Rock Newman] grabbed Tillery from behind on the ring apron and pulled him over the ropes as Bowe continued to throw punches. Tillery somersaulted over the ropes, and was quickly detained by security.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE6D91F3FF933A05753C1A967958260 | title = BOXING; Bowe Gets the Boot, but Wins | work = The New York Times | first = Phil | last = Berger | date = October 30, 1991 | accessdate = May 22, 2010}}</ref> After order was restored and the fighters returned to the ring, Tillery and Bowe continued a war of words, and minor incidents continued until the ring was cleared. Tillery was controversially disqualified for kicking Bowe, with Bowe getting the win, much to the surprise of the television announcers. The referee, Karl Milligan, had stepped between the two fighters to separate them and stepped forward as he did so, inadvertently missing the action behind him after the bell between the combatants. The fighters fouhgt a rematch two months later at Convention Hall in Atlantic City, with Bowe dominating and stopping Tillery in four rounds.

The fighters rematched two months later, with Bowe dominating and stopping Tillery – his first TKO loss.


===World heavyweight champion===
===World heavyweight champion===
{{Main|Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe|Riddick Bowe vs. Michael Dokes|Riddick Bowe vs. Jesse Ferguson|Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield II}}
{{Main|Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe|Riddick Bowe vs. Michael Dokes|Riddick Bowe vs. Jesse Ferguson|Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield II}}
In November 1992 he fought reigning champ [[Evander Holyfield]] for the undisputed heavyweight title. With his heart and dedication still in question, Bowe won a unanimous decision in an entertaining fight, even flooring Holyfield in the 11th. However, it was the 10th round that most boxing fans will remember. The epic and brutal back and forth exchanges helped make it Ring Magazine's "[[Ring Magazine round of the year|Round of the Year]]." Commentator Al Bernstein exclaimed, ""That was one of the greatest rounds in heavyweight history. Period!"
In November 1992 he fought reigning champ [[Evander Holyfield]] for the undisputed heavyweight title. With his heart and dedication still in question, Bowe won a unanimous decision in an entertaining fight, flooring Holyfield in the 11th round. However, it was the tenth round most boxing fans will remember. The epic brutal back and forth exchanges helped make it Ring Magazine's "[[Ring Magazine round of the year|Round of the Year]]." Commentator Al Bernstein exclaimed, ""That was one of the greatest rounds in heavyweight history. Period!"


Only a couple of weeks earlier in London, Bowe's old Olympic rival [[Lennox Lewis]] knocked out Canadian [[Donovan Ruddock|Donovan "Razor" Ruddock]] in 2 rounds, establishing himself as the WBC's #1 contender. The Bowe/Holyfield and Lewis/Ruddock fights were part of a mini-tournament where all four fighters agreed that the two winners would meet each other for the championship. Bowe's manager [[Rock Newman]] made a proposal that the $32 million purse HBO were offering be split 90-10 in Bowe's favor, an "absurd" offer which Lewis rejected.<ref>http://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/memory-lane-when-bowe-ducked-lewis/</ref> Lewis's manager Frank Maloney rejected another offer of $2 million for Lewis to fight on a Bowe undercard, citing his distrust of the Bowe camp after the aforementioned negotiations. So in a move that would hurt Bowe's image he held a press conference in which he dumped the WBC belt in a trash can rather than fight Lewis.<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=3727811</ref>
A couple of weeks earlier in London, Bowe's old Olympic rival, [[Lennox Lewis]], knocked out Canadian [[Donovan Ruddock|Donovan "Razor" Ruddock]] in two rounds, establishing himself as the World Boxing Council's number one contender. The Bowe-Holyfield and Lewis-Ruddock fights were part of a mini-tournament, whereby all four fighters agreed the two winners would meet each other for the undisputed world heavyweight championship. Bowe's manager [[Rock Newman]] made a proposal: the $32 million purse HBO was offering should be split 90-10 in Bowe's favor, an 'absurd' offer which Lennox Lewis rejected.<ref>http://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/memory-lane-when-bowe-ducked-lewis/</ref> Lewis's manager, Frank Maloney, rejected another offer of two million for Lewis to fight on a Bowe undercard, citing his distrust of the Bowe camp after the aforementioned financial negotiations. Bowe responded by holding a press conference in which he dumped the WBC world heavyweight championship belt into a trash can rather than fighting Lewis.<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=3727811</ref>


Bowe's first defense of his remaining titles came on February 6, 1993 when he fought 34-year-old former champion [[Michael Dokes]] at [[Madison Square Garden]] and knocked him out in the first round. In Bowe's next fight, May 22, 1993 at [[RFK Stadium]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], he knocked out [[Jesse Ferguson]] in the second round to retain the title. This set up a rematch with Evander Holyfield.
Bowe's first defense of his remaining titles came on February 6, 1993, when he fought 34-year-old former champion [[Michael Dokes]] at [[Madison Square Garden]] and knocked him out in the first round. In Bowe's next fight, May 22, 1993 at [[RFK Stadium]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], Bowe knocked out [[Jesse Ferguson]] in the second round to retain the title. This set up a rematch with Evander Holyfield.


In the rematch with Holyfield, Bowe looked overweight. He had entered training camp at a 266&nbsp;lbs and weighed in at 246&nbsp;lbs, eleven pounds heavier than in the first fight with Holyfield.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1137895/2/index.htm | title = Video | publisher = CNN | date = November 15, 1993 | accessdate = May 22, 2010}}</ref>
In the rematch with Holyfield, Bowe looked overweight. He had entered training camp at a 266&nbsp;lbs and weighed in at 246&nbsp;lbs, eleven pounds heavier than in the first fight with Holyfield.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1137895/2/index.htm | title = Video | publisher = CNN | date = November 15, 1993 | accessdate = May 22, 2010}}</ref>


Bowe and Holyfield exchanged hard punches, but Bowe ended up losing the belts to Holyfield by a majority decision. This fight was also known for a bizarre stunt in which parachutist [[James Miller (parachutist)|James "Fan Man" Miller]] dropped into the open air arena, landing in the ropes by Bowe's corner. This surreal scene delayed the fight in the 7th round.
Bowe and Holyfield exchanged hard punches. Bowe ended up losing the belts to Holyfield by a majority decision. This fight was also known for a bizarre stunt in which parachutist [[James Miller (parachutist)|James "Fan Man" Miller]] dropped into the open air arena, landing in the ropes by Bowe's corner. This surreal scene delayed the fight in the seventh round by nearly a half hour. Bowe stated afterwards he thought the bout should have declared a 'technical draw' or a 'no contest' owing to the unfair delay.


===After title loss===
===After title loss===
{{Main|Riddick Bowe vs. Larry Donald}}
{{Main|Riddick Bowe vs. Larry Donald}}
In 1994 two comeback fights were not overly impressive, in August he faced the much smaller [[Buster Mathis Jr]] and, after struggling to connect with his bobbing and weaving target, hit him illegally while he was down, knocking him out yet escaping with a 'No Contest' verdict thanks to referee [[Arthur Mercante, Sr.]]
In August 1994, Bow fought two comeback fights. He faced the much smaller [[Buster Mathis Jr]] and, after struggling to connect with his bobbing and weaving target, hit him Mathis while he was down with what ruled an accidental blow,, and the bout was ruled a 'No Contest' by referee [[Arthur Mercante, Sr.]] In December 1994, Bowe punched [[Larry Donald]] at a prefight press conference, later beating him by 12 round unanimous decision for the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title, giving the 16-0 heavyweight contender Donald his first loss.


⚫
===WBO title and Holyfield rubber match===
In December 1994, he punched [[Larry Donald]] at a pre-fight press conference, later beating him by points and giving the 16-0 Donald his first loss.

⚫
===WBO title and Holyfield rubbermatch===
{{Main|Herbie Hide vs. Riddick Bowe|Riddick Bowe vs. Jorge Luis González|Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield III}}
{{Main|Herbie Hide vs. Riddick Bowe|Riddick Bowe vs. Jorge Luis González|Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield III}}
In March 1995 Bowe picked up the less-regarded [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] belt by knocking down England's [[Herbie Hide]] six times en route to a 6th round KO.
In March 1995, Bowe won the [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] version of the world heavyweight championship by knocking down England's [[Herbie Hide]] six times en route to scoring a sixth round knockout.

⚫
In June 1995, after a heated build up, he defended the title against his arch rival in the amateurs, [[Jorge Luis González]] in Las Vegas. The build-up contained bizarre trash-talk, that included Gonzalez declaring a desire to eat Bowe's heart and likening himself to a [[lion]] to Bowe's [[hyena]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/boxing/news/1999/12/20/golata_accident/ | title = Golota breaks collarbone in Iowa car accident | publisher = CNN | date = December 20, 1999 | accessdate = May 22, 2010}}</ref> Bowe won by sixth-round knockout. He vacated the WBO championship soon after.


⚫
In June 1995, after a heated build up, Bowe defended the WBO heavyweight title against his arch rival in the amateurs, [[Jorge Luis González]], At the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The prefight hype contained bizarre trash talk, which included Gonzalez declaring a desire to eat Bowe's heart and likening himself to a [[lion]] which making Bowe out to be a [[hyena]].Bowe won by sixth round knockout over Gonzalez. He vacated the WBO championship soon after.
After the Gonzales fight, Bowe had his highly anticipated [[Rubber match|rubbermatch]] against Evander Holyfield. Holyfield knocked Bowe down during the fight but Bowe managed to maintain his composure, and persevered in order to prevail and to score and eighth-round knock-out victory. After the fight however, it was revealed that Holyfield had contracted [[Hepatitis A]] before the fight.
After the Gonzales fight, Bowe fought a [[Rubber match|rubbermatch]] with Evander Holyfield, their third and final meeting. Holyfield knocked Bowe down during the fight, but Bowe maintained his composure, and persevered to score an eighth round stoppage victory.


===Bowe vs. Golota===
===Bowe vs. Golota I and II===
{{Main|Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota|Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota II}}
{{Main|Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota|Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota II}}
After getting the better of Holyfield over the course of their trilogy, Bowe was matched up against the undefeated heavyweight contender [[Andrew Golota]] at the [[Madison Square Garden]], on an [[HBO Boxing]] event. Bowe's weight problem again resurfaced, as the favorite entered the ring at a career high of 252&nbsp;lbs.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1008582/2/index.htm | title = Video | publisher = CNN | date = August 19, 1996 | accessdate = May 22, 2010}}</ref> Though ahead on points, Golota was penalized several times for low blows, and was finally disqualified in the seventh round after a volley of punches to Bowe's testicles.<ref name=espn>http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2977591</ref> Seconds after Golota was disqualified, Bowe's entourage rushed the ring, attacked Golota with a 2-way radio (Golota traded punches with one of them and required 11 stitches to close the wound caused by the radio) and assaulted Golota's 74-year-old trainer [[Lou Duva]] (who was taken out on a stretcher). The entourage began rioting, fighting with spectators, staff and policemen alike, resulting in a number of injuries before they were forced out of the arena.
After defeating Holyfield in the third bout of their trilogy, Bowe was matched against undefeated heavyweight contender [[Andrew Golota]] at the [[Madison Square Garden]] in an [[HBO Boxing]] event. Bowe's weight problem again resurfaced, as the favorite entered the ring at a career high of 252&nbsp;lbs.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1008582/2/index.htm | title = Video | publisher = CNN | date = August 19, 1996 | accessdate = May 22, 2010}}</ref> Though ahead on points, Golota was penalized several times for low blows, and was finally disqualified in the seventh round after a volley of punches to Bowe's testicles. Seconds after Golota was disqualified, Bowe's entourage rushed the ring, attacked Golota with a two way radio (Golota traded punches with one of them, requiring 11 stitches to close the wound caused by the radio) and assaulted Golota's 74-year-old trainer [[Lou Duva]], who collapsed in the ring and was taken out of The Garden on a stretcher). The entourage began rioting, fighting with spectators, staff and policemen alike, resulting in a number of injuries before they were forced out of the arena in what evolved into a lengthy televised ring spectacle.


The fight made many sports shows, including ''[[SportsCenter]]'', and there was a good amount of public interest in a rematch. The rematch was on [[Pay Per View]] and Golota, after dropping Bowe in the second round and being dropped himself later, was leading on the scorecards only to be disqualified in the ninth round, once again for repeated shots to the testicles.<ref name=espn /> Despite not having another riot, this fight also proved to be controversial with a protest filed by Golota's camp to try to overturn the fight's result. The two Bowe fights earned Golota the derisive nickname ''Foul Pole''.
The fight made many sports shows, including ''[[SportsCenter]]'', and there was a good amount of public interest in a rematch. The rematch was on [[Pay Per View]]. Golota, after dropping Bowe in the second round, and being dropped himself later, was leading on the scorecards, only to be disqualified in the ninth round, once again for repeated shots to the testicles.<ref name=espn /> Despite not having another riot, this fight also proved to be controversial, with an unsuccessful protest filed by Golota's camp to try to overturn the fight's result.


This fight was featured on [[Home Box Office|HBO]]'s documentary ''Legendary Nights: The Tale of Bowe-Golota''.
This fight was featured on [[Home Box Office|HBO]]'s documentary ''Legendary Nights: The Tale of Bowe-Golota''.

Revision as of 22:22, 19 April 2015

Riddick Bowe
Bowe in 1993
Born
Riddick Lamont Bowe

(1967-08-10) August 10, 1967 (age 57)[1]
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Other names"Big Daddy"
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Reach81 in (2.06 m)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights45
Wins43
Wins by KO33
Losses1
Draws0
No contests1
Medal record
Men's Boxing
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 1988 Seoul Super heavyweight

Riddick Lamont Bowe (born August 10, 1967)[1] is an American boxer. He is a former two-time world heavyweight champion, having first won the WBA, WBC and IBF titles in 1992, thus becoming undisputed heavyweight champion. Bowe's second reign as heavyweight champion was in 1995, when he won the WBO title. He retired in 1996, but made a return to the ring in 2004. He has been inactive since 2008, when he won his last pro bout in Germany.

Bowe became the first fighter to knock down and defeat Evander Holyfield when he defeated Holyfield for the world heavyweight title in 1992 by unanimous decision for the undisputed world heavyweight title. Holyfield won the rematch by decison when he regained the title from Bowe in 1993. Bowe later became the first fighter to stop Holyfield by TKO, when he won their third match in 1995. Bowe's professional boxing record stands at 43–1 with one no-contest, and 33 stoppages. Bowe ranked as the 21st greatest heavyweight of all time in a 2010 article by BoxingScene, [2], was inducted into the 2015 class for the International Boxing Hall of Fame.[3]

Early years

Bowe was born on August 10, 1967, the twelfth of his mother Dorothy Bowe's thirteen children.[4] Bowe was born and raised in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. His brother Henry died of AIDS[5], and his sister Brenda was stabbed to death by a drug addict during an attempted robbery.[6]

Amateur boxing career

As an amateur, Bowe won the prestigious New York Golden Gloves Championship and other tournaments. In 1984, age 17, he knocked out opponent James Smith in just 4 seconds. In 1985, at the National Golden Gloves championships, he lost to Fort Worth Heavyweight Donald Stephens. Bowe won the silver medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where he was stopped in two rounds by future world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

Amateur highlights

Amateur Record: 104-18

=New York Golden Gloves Championships

Bowe won four New York Golden Gloves Championships. Bowe won the 1985 178 lb Novice Championship, 1986 178 lb Open Championship and the 1987 and 1988 Super Heavyweight Open Championship. Bowe trained at the Bed-Stuy BA.

Professional career

Bowe turned professional after his Olympic loss. Highly regarded trainer Eddie Futch took on the job of developing Bowe as he saw the talent. Eddie would say that Bowe had more potential than any boxer he had ever trained.

Bow turned professional in March 1989, and knocked out Lionel Butler. His then manager, Rock Newman kept Bowe active, fighting 13 times in 1989, beating journeymen, the most notable being Garing Lane whom he beat twice. In September 1990, Bowe made his first step up in class, fighting faded ex-champion Pinklon Thomas, who he dominated until Thomas gave up after eight rounds. The following month, Bowe knocked out Bert Cooper in two rounds, which added to his reputation and high ranking.

In March 1991, Bowed knocked k1984 Olympic Super Heavyweight Gold medalist Tyrell Biggs. In Bowe's next fight, ex-champion Tony Tubbs appeared to outbox and outsmart Bowe in a close bout, only to have the judges award Bowe a unanimous decision. In August 1991, Bowe knocked out future world heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon in one round. In July 1992 knocked out South African Pierre Coetzer in the seventh round of a world title eliminator.

Fights against Elijah Tillery

Bowe fought two interesting bouts against Elijah Tillery in Atlantic City in 1991. Their first fight at Harrah's Casino was known as the the 'crazy fight' for its bizarre conclusion. Bowe dominated the first round and dropped Tillery. After the round ended, Tillery walked toward Bowe and taunted him, and Bowe responded by punching Tillery. Tillery then threw several low kicks at Bowe, who then unleashed a flurry of punches on Tillery as he lay on the ropes. Bowe's trainer [[Rock Newman] grabbed Tillery from behind on the ring apron and pulled him over the ropes as Bowe continued to throw punches. Tillery somersaulted over the ropes, and was quickly detained by security.[7] After order was restored and the fighters returned to the ring, Tillery and Bowe continued a war of words, and minor incidents continued until the ring was cleared. Tillery was controversially disqualified for kicking Bowe, with Bowe getting the win, much to the surprise of the television announcers. The referee, Karl Milligan, had stepped between the two fighters to separate them and stepped forward as he did so, inadvertently missing the action behind him after the bell between the combatants. The fighters fouhgt a rematch two months later at Convention Hall in Atlantic City, with Bowe dominating and stopping Tillery in four rounds.

World heavyweight champion

Main articles: Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe, Riddick Bowe vs. Michael Dokes, Riddick Bowe vs. Jesse Ferguson, and Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield II

In November 1992 he fought reigning champ Evander Holyfield for the undisputed heavyweight title. With his heart and dedication still in question, Bowe won a unanimous decision in an entertaining fight, flooring Holyfield in the 11th round. However, it was the tenth round most boxing fans will remember. The epic brutal back and forth exchanges helped make it Ring Magazine's "Round of the Year." Commentator Al Bernstein exclaimed, ""That was one of the greatest rounds in heavyweight history. Period!"

A couple of weeks earlier in London, Bowe's old Olympic rival, Lennox Lewis, knocked out Canadian Donovan "Razor" Ruddock in two rounds, establishing himself as the World Boxing Council's number one contender. The Bowe-Holyfield and Lewis-Ruddock fights were part of a mini-tournament, whereby all four fighters agreed the two winners would meet each other for the undisputed world heavyweight championship. Bowe's manager Rock Newman made a proposal: the $32 million purse HBO was offering should be split 90-10 in Bowe's favor, an 'absurd' offer which Lennox Lewis rejected.[8] Lewis's manager, Frank Maloney, rejected another offer of two million for Lewis to fight on a Bowe undercard, citing his distrust of the Bowe camp after the aforementioned financial negotiations. Bowe responded by holding a press conference in which he dumped the WBC world heavyweight championship belt into a trash can rather than fighting Lewis.[9]

Bowe's first defense of his remaining titles came on February 6, 1993, when he fought 34-year-old former champion Michael Dokes at Madison Square Garden and knocked him out in the first round. In Bowe's next fight, May 22, 1993 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Bowe knocked out Jesse Ferguson in the second round to retain the title. This set up a rematch with Evander Holyfield.

In the rematch with Holyfield, Bowe looked overweight. He had entered training camp at a 266 lbs and weighed in at 246 lbs, eleven pounds heavier than in the first fight with Holyfield.[10]

Bowe and Holyfield exchanged hard punches. Bowe ended up losing the belts to Holyfield by a majority decision. This fight was also known for a bizarre stunt in which parachutist James "Fan Man" Miller dropped into the open air arena, landing in the ropes by Bowe's corner. This surreal scene delayed the fight in the seventh round by nearly a half hour. Bowe stated afterwards he thought the bout should have declared a 'technical draw' or a 'no contest' owing to the unfair delay.

After title loss

Main article: Riddick Bowe vs. Larry Donald

In August 1994, Bow fought two comeback fights. He faced the much smaller Buster Mathis Jr and, after struggling to connect with his bobbing and weaving target, hit him Mathis while he was down with what ruled an accidental blow,, and the bout was ruled a 'No Contest' by referee Arthur Mercante, Sr. In December 1994, Bowe punched Larry Donald at a prefight press conference, later beating him by 12 round unanimous decision for the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title, giving the 16-0 heavyweight contender Donald his first loss.

WBO title and Holyfield rubber match

Main articles: Herbie Hide vs. Riddick Bowe, Riddick Bowe vs. Jorge Luis González, and Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield III

In March 1995, Bowe won the WBO version of the world heavyweight championship by knocking down England's Herbie Hide six times en route to scoring a sixth round knockout.

In June 1995, after a heated build up, Bowe defended the WBO heavyweight title against his arch rival in the amateurs, Jorge Luis González, At the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The prefight hype contained bizarre trash talk, which included Gonzalez declaring a desire to eat Bowe's heart and likening himself to a lion which making Bowe out to be a hyena.Bowe won by sixth round knockout over Gonzalez. He vacated the WBO championship soon after. After the Gonzales fight, Bowe fought a rubbermatch with Evander Holyfield, their third and final meeting. Holyfield knocked Bowe down during the fight, but Bowe maintained his composure, and persevered to score an eighth round stoppage victory.

Bowe vs. Golota I and II

Main articles: Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota and Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota II

After defeating Holyfield in the third bout of their trilogy, Bowe was matched against undefeated heavyweight contender Andrew Golota at the Madison Square Garden in an HBO Boxing event. Bowe's weight problem again resurfaced, as the favorite entered the ring at a career high of 252 lbs.[11] Though ahead on points, Golota was penalized several times for low blows, and was finally disqualified in the seventh round after a volley of punches to Bowe's testicles. Seconds after Golota was disqualified, Bowe's entourage rushed the ring, attacked Golota with a two way radio (Golota traded punches with one of them, requiring 11 stitches to close the wound caused by the radio) and assaulted Golota's 74-year-old trainer Lou Duva, who collapsed in the ring and was taken out of The Garden on a stretcher). The entourage began rioting, fighting with spectators, staff and policemen alike, resulting in a number of injuries before they were forced out of the arena in what evolved into a lengthy televised ring spectacle.

The fight made many sports shows, including SportsCenter, and there was a good amount of public interest in a rematch. The rematch was on Pay Per View. Golota, after dropping Bowe in the second round, and being dropped himself later, was leading on the scorecards, only to be disqualified in the ninth round, once again for repeated shots to the testicles.[12] Despite not having another riot, this fight also proved to be controversial, with an unsuccessful protest filed by Golota's camp to try to overturn the fight's result.

This fight was featured on HBO's documentary Legendary Nights: The Tale of Bowe-Golota.

Joining the Marine Corps

After the Golota fights, Bowe retired from boxing and decided to join the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He said he made the decision both to make his mother proud and to rededicate himself to training, with the intention of returning to boxing shortly after.[13] On his first day of recruit training, however, Bowe discussed leaving the Corps with Marine commanders, and quit after 3 days of training with his platoon at the recruit depot at Parris Island, South Carolina. The Marine Corps has been criticized for compromising their traditional recruiting measures and accommodating Bowe's request.[14]

Following Bowe's failure to become a Marine, his life was marred with legal incidents.

Three months after leaving Marine Boot Camp he was accused of battering his sister. Three months after that, in August 1997, Bowe was charged with assault and battery on his wife.[15]

Bowe was convicted of the February 1998, kidnapping of his estranged wife, Judy, and their five children.[16] Thinking it would reconcile his marriage, Bowe went to his wife's Cornelius, North Carolina home and threatened her with a knife, handcuffs, duct tape and pepper spray. He forced her and their children into a vehicle and set out for his Fort Washington, Maryland home. During the kidnapping, Bowe stabbed his wife in the chest.[16] Police captured Bowe in South Hill, Virginia, freeing his family.[16] Bowe was charged with kidnapping, but agreed to a plea bargain of guilty to 'interstate domestic violence', and sentenced to 18–24 months in prison.[16] Despite the agreed sentence, on February 29, 2000, the judge sentenced Bowe to only 30 days, due to brain damage as claimed by Bowe's defense.[17][18] Tapes of Bowe talking before and after his brutal fights with Golota showed a man with very slurred speech. This sentence, counter to the plea agreement, was later overturned and Bowe served 17 months in federal prison.[19]

On February 8, 2001, Bowe was arrested in Long Island after a domestic dispute with his new wife.[16] Bowe allegedly dragged his wife and left her with cuts on her knees and elbows.[18]

Return to boxing

Riddick Bowe in Kaiserslautern, Germany

On September 25, 2004, after seven and a half years away from boxing, Bowe returned with a second round knockout over Marcus Rhode. In a second comeback fight, in April 2005, Bowe narrowly defeated journeyman Billy Zumbrun, in a fight in which Bowe was badly overweight and absorbed many heavy blows from Zumbrun.

Bowe declared bankruptcy in 2005.[20] He has since received assistance from Ring 10, a non profit organization that helps impoverished fighters, so that he can become self-supporting.[21] In July 2008, Boxrec reported that Bowe might return to the ring after three years on September 12, 2008 in Győr, Hungary against Hungarian journeyman Zoltán Petrányi. But he didn't show up for the fight.[22]

With the help of manager Bob Bain, on December 13, 2008, the-then 41-year old Bowe returned to the ring for the first time in over three and a half years on the undercard of the Wladimir Klitschko-Hasim Rahman heavyweight title bout in Mannheim, Germany to fight Gene Pukall in a fight that was scheduled for 8 rounds. He defeated Pukall by unanimous decision.

His current boxing record stands at 43-1 with 33 wins by way of knock-out. “No matter what, God is on my side,” Bowe said. “I’m not perfect, but I’m not the worst, either. God brought me this far. He’s not done with me yet.”[23] In early 2010 he said “I want to get back in the ring as soon as I can and Gomez would be a good fight for me.”[24]

He hasn't boxed since he defeated Pukall in 2008, and hasn't addressed the boxing fans and observers about his plans to continue fighting.

In March 2013 however, Bowe announced that he would make his Muay Thai fighting début, having trained under Kru Airr Phanthip and Kru Chan in Las Vegas.[25] He was initially set to face Levgen Golovin for the WPMF Super Heavyweight World Title in Pattaya, Thailand, on May 13, 2013[26][27] but the date was moved back to June 14, 2013.[28][29] Bowe was knocked down five times from kicks to his leg. The match was called to a stop halfway through the second round. Bowe was unable to stand on his own after the fight.[30][31]

Professional boxing record

43 Wins (33 knockouts, 10 decisions), 1 Loss (0 knock-outs, 1 decision), 0 Draws, 1 no contest[32]
Res. Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
Win 43–1
1 NC 		Germany Gene Pukall UD 8 2008-12-13 Germany SAP Arena, Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Win 42–1
1 NC 		United States Billy Zumbrun SD 10 2005-04-07 United States Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, United States
Win 41–1
1 NC 		United States Marcus Rhode TKO 2 (10) 2004-09-25 United States Fire Lake Casino, Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States Rhode down once in the 1st and three times in the 2nd round.
Win 40–1
1 NC 		Poland Andrew Golota DQ 9 (10) 1996-12-14 United States Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Bowe down in 2nd and 5th rounds. Golota down in 4th round. Golota was DQ'd for low blows.
Win 39–1
1 NC 		Poland Andrew Golota DQ 7 (12) 1996-07-11 United States Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, United States Golota disqualified for repeated low blows.
Win 38–1
1 NC 		United States Evander Holyfield TKO 8 (12) 1995-11-04 United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Bowe had a point deducted in the 5th round for a low blow. Bowe suffered the first knockdown of his career in the 6th round. Holyfield was knocked down twice in the 8th.
Win 37–1
1 NC 		Cuba Jorge Luis González KO 6 (12) 1995-06-17 United States MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Retained WBO heavyweight title.
Win 36–1
1 NC 		United Kingdom Herbie Hide KO 6 (12) 1995-03-11 United States MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won WBO heavyweight title.
Win 35–1
1 NC 		United States Larry Donald UD 12 1994-12-03 United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title.
NC 34–1
1 NC 		United States Buster Mathis, Jr. NC 4 (10) 1994-08-13 United States Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Bowe knocked out Mathis while Mathis was on one knee.
Loss 34–1 United States Evander Holyfield MD 12 1993-11-06 United States Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States "The Fan Man fight."
Lost Lineal, WBA & IBF heavyweight titles.
Fight was suspended for 21 minutes during the 7th round, when a parachutist (James Miller) crashed onto the ring apron. He was beaten by spectators and Bowe's cornermen before being taken away. This incident was named The Ring magazine Event of the Year for 1993.
Win 34–0 United States Jesse Ferguson KO 2 (12) 1993-05-22 United States RFK Stadium, Washington, District of Columbia, United States Retained Lineal, WBA heavyweight title.
Win 33–0 United States Michael Dokes TKO 1 (12) 1993-02-06 United States Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, United States Retained Lineal, WBA & IBF heavyweight titles.
Win 32–0 United States Evander Holyfield UD 12 1992-11-13 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won Lineal, WBC, WBA & IBF heavyweight titles. Holyfield went down in 11th as he had fallen into the ropes and was hit with a right hand to the back of the head. Shortly thereafter Bowe relinquished the WBC title to avoid fighting Lennox Lewis, his mandatory challenger.
Fight was named Ring Magazine Fight of the Year.
Win 31–0 South Africa Pierre Coetzer TKO 7 (12) 1992-07-18 United States Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States WBA heavyweight Title Eliminator.
Win 30–0 United States Everett Martin TKO 5 (10) 1992-05-08 United States Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Martin suffered a cut on his left eyelid.
Win 29–0 Canada Conroy Nelson KO 1 (10) 1992-04-07 United States Harrah's Marina Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 28–0 United States Elijah Tillery TKO 4 (10) 1991-12-13 United States Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 27–0 United States Elijah Tillery DQ 1 (12) 1991-10-29 United States Convention Hall, Washington, District of Columbia, United States Tillery was DQ'd for "a flagrant kick."
Win 26–0 United States Bruce Seldon KO 1 (10) 1991-08-09 United States Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 25–0 United States Phillip Brown TKO 3 (10) 1991-07-23 United States Harrah's Marina Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 24–0 Puerto Rico Rodolfo Marin KO 2 (10) 1991-06-28 United States Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 23–0 United States Tony Tubbs UD 10 1991-04-20 United States Caesar's Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 22–0 United States Tyrell Biggs TKO 8 (10) 1991-03-02 United States Harrah's Marina Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 21–0 Jamaica Tony Morrison KO 1 (?) 1990-12-14 United States Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Win 20–0 United States Bert Cooper KO 2 (10) 1990-10-25 United States Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 19–0 United States Pinklon Thomas RTD 8 (10) 1990-09-07 United States UDC Physical Activities Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Win 18–0 United States Art Tucker TKO 3 (10) 1990-07-08 United States Harrah's Marina Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 17–0 United States Jesus Contreras KO 1 (10) 1990-05-08 United States Harrah's Marina Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 16–0 United States Eddie Gonzales UD 8 1990-04-14 United States Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 15–0 United States Robert Colay TKO 2 (6) 1990-04-01 United States D.C. Armory, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Win 14–0 United States Mike Robinson TKO 3 (?) 1990-02-20 United States Trump Plaza Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 13–0 United States Charles Woolard TKO 2 (?) 1989-12-14 United States Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States
Win 12–0 United States Art Card RTD 3 (8) 1989-11-28 United States Alumni Arena, Buffalo, New York, United States
Win 11–0 United States Don Askew TKO 1 (?) 1989-11-18 United States Coolidge High School, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Win 10–0 United States Garing Lane TKO 4 (6) 1989-11-04 United States Trump Plaza Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 9–0 United States Mike Acey TKO 1 (4) 1989-10-19 United States Trump Plaza Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 8–0 United States Earl Lewis TKO 1 (6) 1989-09-19 United States Veteran's Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Win 7–0 United States Anthony Hayes KO 1 (6) 1989-09-15 United States Gleason's Arena, Brooklyn, New York, United States
Win 6–0 United States Lee Moore KO 1 (?) 1989-09-03 United States Pensacola, Florida, United States
Win 5–0 United States Lorenzo Canady RTD 2 (6) 1989-07-15 United States Harrah's Marina Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 4–0 United States Antonio Whiteside TKO 1 (6) 1989-07-02 United States Cumberland Co. Memorial Arena, Fayetteville, North Carolina, United States
Win 3–0 United States Garing Lane UD 4 1989-05-09 United States Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 2–0 United States Tracy Thomas TKO 3 (?) 1989-04-14 United States Trump Plaza Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 1–0 United States Lionel Butler TKO 2 (4) 1989-03-06 United States Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, United States Professional debut.

Kickboxing record

Kickboxing record
0 wins (0 KOs), 1 loss, 0 draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time Record
2013-06-14 Loss Russia Levgen Golovin WPMF Super Heavyweight Title Pattaya, Thailand TKO (right low kick) 2 0-1

Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Professional wrestling

In 2013, Riddick Bowe announced his intentions to start training to be a professional wrestler. He was to make his debut for the UK-based Preston City Wrestling organisation on March 1, 2014.[33] On December 14, 2013, Preston City Wrestling announced on their Facebook Page that Bowe would no longer be appearing due to a disagreement with Bowe`s new agent.

Career timeline

  • 1988: Lost to Lennox Lewis for the Olympic gold medal in Seoul, South Korea.
  • March 7, 1989: Debuted as a professional, beating Lionel Butler
  • July 8, 1990: Beat Art Card in first nationally televised bout
  • October 21, 1991: Declared winner by disqualification over Elijah Tillery who began kicking Bowe until he was grabbed around the neck and thrown outside the ring by Bowe's manager, Rock Newman. A melee ensued. It would not be the last time things went chaotic before or during a Bowe fight.
  • November 13, 1992: Won the world heavyweight championship, beating Evander Holyfield. Bowe and Holyfield slugged it out for 12 rounds, with Bowe having a slight edge. A knockdown in the 11th round sealed Holyfield’s fate, and Bowe would win by unanimous decision.
  • Early 1993: He and his manager Rock Newman visited Pope John Paul II in the Vatican City, offering him the autographed gloves that Bowe used to beat Holyfield. The Pope accepted the gift.
  • February 6, 1993 Bowe knocked out former WBA heavyweight champion Michael Dokes in the first round, in his first title defense.
  • May 22, 1993 Bowe knocked out Jesse Ferguson in the second round, in what his trainer Eddie Futch called his greatest performance.
  • November 6, 1993: Lost the title to Holyfield, by decision in 12.
  • August 13, 1994: His fight with Buster Mathis Jr. declared a no contest after Bowe hit his opponent while Mathis Jr. lay on the canvas.
  • December, 1994: In the final pre-fight conference before their fight, he threw a one-two combo at Larry Donald. He beat Donald by decision in 12.
  • March 11, 1995: He won the lightly regarded WBO world heavyweight championship, knocking out Herbie Hide in six rounds.
  • Summer of 1995: He and Jorge Luis Gonzalez engaged in a series of violent press conferences across the United States before their fight. Their last pre-fight conference was held behind protective glasses. Bowe won by knockout in six.
  • November 4, 1995: He and Holyfield, fought the last fight of their classic trilogy. Bowe seemed to dominate the early rounds, and the ailing Holyfield was struggling in the fight, a fight that commentator George Foreman was notably concerned about, repeatedly saying the fight should be stopped. Holyfield however had a spurt of energy early in the sixth round, and knocked Bowe down. Bowe recovered from the knockdown and went on to win by knockout in round eight.
  • July 11, 1996: He defeated Andrew Golota by disqualification in round seven after being repeatedly punched in the testicles. The ensuing riot became breaking news across the United States, and an infamous night in the history of boxing. Golota was hit in the head by a member of Bowe’s entourage with either a large mid-90s cellphone or walkie-talkie, bloodying him.
  • December 14, 1996: He defeated Golota in their rematch, again by disqualification. Golota was ahead on all three scorecards, but at the end of the ninth round, Golota landed three brutal shots to Bowe's testicles. It turned out to be Bowe's last fight until 2004. Bowe declared there would not be a rematch. For a long time after Golota was disqualified Bowe lay unmoving in the ring with his eyes closed, which prompted fears from some about his condition. His slurred speech during the post fight interview did little to alleviate those fears.
  • December, 1996: Bowe announced he would leave his wife and children and large fleet of cars in Fort Washington, MD to join the United States Marine Corps. He dropped out of boot camp soon afterward.
  • 1999: He kidnapped his wife and children at her parent's community in North Carolina. They were released unharmed, after an interstate drive.
  • January, 2001: Bowe applied for a presidential pardon from President Bill Clinton stating, "I became the heavyweight champion of the world from hard work. I was able to provide certain necessities to my large family. Many people depended on me and still depend on me to this very day for certain necessities," Bowe wrote. "If I am not given back my livelihood, we might just lose everything."
  • May 18, 2004: Bowe was released from federal prison after serving 18 months for kidnapping. He announced his intention to return to boxing and attempt to reclaim the world heavyweight championship.
  • September 25, 2004: After seven and a half years away from boxing, Bowe returned with a second round knockout over Marcus Rhode. In a second comeback fight in April 2005, Bowe narrowly defeated journeyman Billy Zumbrun, in a fight in which Bowe was badly overweight and absorbed many heavy blows from Zumbrun.
  • On October 17, 2005 he declared bankruptcy.
  • On November 9, 2007, Riddick Bowe announced that he will enter the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), fighting exclusively for the promotional outfit Xcess Entertainment, with his first fight being December 12, 2007, against lanky Philadelphia journeyman David R. Stec.

In 1993, a video game entitled Riddick Bowe Boxing was released for various platforms. Also in 1993, Bowe appeared as himself in an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, entitled "You Bet Your Life".

See also

Template:Wikipedia books

References

  1. ^ a b Branch, John (June 13, 2009). "Fighter Remains a Champion Optimist". The New York Times. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  2. ^ http://www.boxingscene.com/-top-25-heavyweights-all-time-top-ten--26161
  3. ^ http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/11978825/riddick-bowe-ray-boom-boom-mancini-highlight-international-boxing-hall-fame-selections
  4. ^ Eleven are still living.The Family Man
  5. ^ http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9810/three.htm
  6. ^ But Seriously, Folks,...
  7. ^ Berger, Phil (October 30, 1991). "BOXING; Bowe Gets the Boot, but Wins". The New York Times. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  8. ^ http://www.boxinginsider.com/headlines/memory-lane-when-bowe-ducked-lewis/
  9. ^ http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=3727811
  10. ^ "Video". CNN. November 15, 1993. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  11. ^ "Video". CNN. August 19, 1996. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference espn was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Sandomir, Richard (January 31, 1997). "Hut, 2, 3, 4! Bowe Is Joining U.S. Marine Corps". The New York Times. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  14. ^ Limitations in "Realistic Recruiting" and Subsequent Socialization Efforts: The Case of Riddick Bowe and the United States Marine Corps
  15. ^ Smith, Timothy W. (July 5, 1998). "BOXING: A Dream Destroyed; Bowe Won Championships, but He Lost His Family". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  16. ^ a b c d e "Riddick Bowe Facing 2 Years in Prison". ABC News. 2001-07-13. Retrieved 2013-04-30.
  17. ^ "PLUS: COURT NEWS -- BOXING; Bowe Sentenced To 30 Days". The New York Times. 2000-03-01. Retrieved 2013-04-30.
  18. ^ a b "Bowe arrested for assault after domestic dispute". CNN. 2001-02-08. Retrieved 2010-05-22.
  19. ^ Eisele, Andrew. "Riddick Bowe Files for Bankruptcy". boxing.about.com. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  20. ^ Greenbelt, Maryland (October 19, 2005). "Ex-champ Bowe seeks bankruptcy protection – Sport". The Age. Melbourne. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  21. ^ Boxing 101, "Ring 10 Veterans Boxing Foundation: A Beta Bomb of Brotherhood, Part 2 – Champions In Need", June 27, 2012
  22. ^ Latest Euro News, September 12, 2008
  23. ^ Branch, John (June 14, 2009). "Fighter Remains a Champion Optimist". The New York Times. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  24. ^ "Riddick Bowe Update". Fightnews.com. January 27, 2010. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
  25. ^ Riddick Bowe to make Muay Thai debut in May
  26. ^ American Chike Lindsay Set to Take on Saiyok Pumpanmuang in One of the Most Unusual Cards This Year
  27. ^ Riddick Bowe set to make Muay Thai debut on stacked card featuring Simon Marcus, Chike Lindsay, Saiyok, Kaoklai, and more
  28. ^ Riddick Bowe's Muay Thai debut no longer happening, entire event canceled
  29. ^ Muaythai Superfight featuring Riddick Bowe's Muay Thai debut not canceled, rescheduled for June 14th
  30. ^ Riddick Bowe Brutalized in Muay Thai Debut
  31. ^ Muaythai Superfight Results: Bowe TKO'd, Marcus remains undefeated
  32. ^ Boxing record for Riddick Bowe. BoxRec.com.
  33. ^ Making His Pro Wrestling Debut in 2014…
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Marcelo Victor Figueroa
Vacated
 WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion
October 29, 1991–1992
Vacated 		Succeeded by
Alex Garcia
Filled vacancy
Preceded by WBA heavyweight champion
IBF heavyweight champion
Lineal heavyweight champion
November 13, 1992 – November 6, 1993 		Succeeded by
WBC heavyweight champion
Undisputed heavyweight champion
November 13, 1992 – December 14, 1992 (Stripped) 		Vacant
Title next held by
Lennox Lewis
Preceded by WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion
December 3, 1994–1995 (Vacated) 		Succeeded by
Jimmy Thunder
filled vacancy
Preceded by WBO heavyweight champion
March 11, 1995 – July 1, 1995 Vacated
October 31, 1995 Reinstated – January 11, 1996 Stripped 		Succeeded by
Henry Akinwande
filled vacancy
Awards
Preceded by BWAA Fighter of the Year
1992 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year
1992 		Succeeded by

Template:Persondata

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