Any boxer becoming an undisputed heavyweight champion should have the security of their finances being order. Not so for 1990s icon Riddick Bowe.
Since retirement, Bowe has been exploited for his name and made ring returns in circus events, thankfully the final one of which failed.
Bowe was slated for a Celebrity Boxing comeback a couple of years ago. He was eventually pulled out of the fight due to health concerns.
It’s not the first time Bowe has faced this kind of threat to his legacy. World Boxing News had contact with a similar party a few years ago.
Undisputed heavyweight champion
When Bowe was 52, the former undisputed heavyweight champion was calling on promoters to sign him.
WBN eventually found out from WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman that the representative of Bowe was not authorized to speak on his behalf.
Acting as Bowe’s manager, the person involved had shown some interest in backing Bowe’s return to the ring.
Old foe Evander Holyfield also told WBN he wanted to face Bowe for a fourth time at exhibition level. This was dismissed as the handler assured WBN Bowe was only interested in a full twelve-rounder with Holyfield.
He had many more fights after that despite being in his fifties.
Going into more detail about what Bowe has to offer despite his far advanced years, there was an apparent attempt to put ‘Big Daddy’ in the shop window. This was solely for monetary purposes.
Riddick Bowe
In what is a shocking interview on reflection, WBN was told: “I believe Mr. Bowe is the best fighter in the heavyweight division right now, bar none. Nobody in the heavyweight division could beat him,” despite being 52 and way over the hill.
“I want to see anyone call me and challenge Mr Bowe to a fight. I mean current heavyweights. Nobody right now could win.
“There’s no better fighter in the heavyweight division right now who’s an inside fighter than Mr. Bowe. He’s a big guy who can fight on the inside, which is amazing.
“What I love about Bowe is he’s the nicest person in boxing. It’s an absolute privilege to work with him.
“This is going to be a great positive story for people to see Bowe back out there because of all the drama out there and negative news.
“It’s just great for boxing, the industry, great for making money for everybody. The kids who want to see him fight as people love watching Bowe.
“Sure, he’s tough, but he’s a nice person, and it’s a positive story.”
The reality of those words was very different. Bowe has trouble moving and is in pain a lot of the time. Any spell inside the ropes could make that a lot worse.
“It’d be crazy for any promoter not to jump on it and take it,” they added despite the ailments.
Bowe was even quoted himself, but WBN is unsure if those words came from the boxing legend.
“I’m about to make a comeback. Who wants to give me a couple of rounds? – I’m interested in fighting Holyfield one hundred percent.”
Thankfully, Riddick Bowe stayed retired.
