Riddick Bowe making a shock heavyweight fight offer to career-long rival Lennox Lewis proved to be a fake, WBN can confirm.
During the exhibition craze, WBN detailed an incredible interview with members of former undisputed heavyweight champion Bowe’s prominent team.
It’s been revealed to WBN by major sports sources that the potential contract was invalid.
Two ‘representatives’ of Bowe spent time speaking to WBN. They outlined startling but what sounded like real plans for Bowe to fight a series of twelve rounders at the age of 52.
Targeting a deal with Eddie Hearn or Al Haymon, they believed Bowe could get back in fighting shape. They even clarified that he could again compete in the sport despite a broken body.
‘Big Daddy’ hadn’t danced since 2008 and had well-publicized financial issues away from competing professionally.
In 2020, Bowe’s representatives told World Boxing News they hoped to land a deal to see the American legend back in action at the top level.
This unfathomable happening detailed failed attempts to lure former rival Lennox Lewis out of retirement.
Famously trashing the WBC title instead of facing Lewis during the 1990s, Bowe was reportedly ready to end the saga once and for all.
“We want to fight Lennox Lewis. We entered negotiations with them to attempt a fight, but they broke down when Lennox’s manager asked not to call her anymore,” those purporting to speak for Bowe exclusively revealed to World Boxing News.
“They texted saying they wanted $100m for the fight and that my number was blocked. I would also be tempted to negotiate a fight with Lennox [himself].
“The last text I had with them [Violet Chang] was on November 13th. It went on for a little while. I then got told I would be blocked.
“I ended the messages with, ‘Team Bowe will be in touch’ – but she says I’m not part of his team. But maybe we could host it in Saudi Arabia?”
They added: “Absolutely [Bowe vs Lewis could happen], it could be titled ‘Unfinished Business.'”
Exhibitions were not even the priority despite Bowe’s age, as the pair stated with vigor that they one hundred percent believed what they said.
They even concluded this part of the chat by discussing a fourth fight with Evander Holyfield. It seemed to be a precise money-grabbing exercise.
‘The Real Deal’ had spoken to WBN the week before regarding his efforts to make the fight a reality.
“I wanted to do it [an exhibition] with Riddick Bowe,” Holyfield told World Boxing News exclusively. “We’re friends. And the kind of money they’re talking about would be pretty good for three rounds.”
He added: “Yes, I can do that [Holyfield vs Bowe IV]. I’m ready!”
Thankfully, it never got off the ground.
