George Foreman(1991) vs. Riddick Bowe(1992)

[MrFoFody]

Yes people tend to overrate Bowe based on him defeating Holyfield. I guess you can say Bowe was Holyfields Douglas. Decent skills, power, stamina when motivated but never truly had the fire. He was never truly a great fighter, just look at how an equally big man with skills(Golota) handed him back to back beatings from which he never recovered. And I don't want to hear that Bowe was "past it" because those two fights happened within a years time of handily defeating Holyfield (TKO. If he would have fought Foreman, I would expect Bowe to try and go toe to toe as that was all he knew. He may have had a jab but his desire to brawl would overcome him and he would be there for Foreman to land. And if Golota had the power to drop him, Foreman would surely KO him.

[hobgoblin]

Three solid criteria for being a great fighter: (1) having the skills and physical attributes to be a great fighter (2) beating a great fighter (3) showing the strategic / courageous mentality to be a champion

Bowe showed all 3 and he really hit it with (2). beating prime holyfield is a BIG deal. no one but bowe could do it. even tyson couldn't beat a past his prime holy.

bowe was definitely a great fighter. big george needs to avoid the big 3 - old george would not be able to outjab bowe - who yes did like to fight inside - but he could be outside too. great outside fighter would outdo bowe - but not old george.

[Muchmoore]

Bowe wins this by decision. He gets wobbled maybe a few times but takes it by clear UD.

[rekcutnevets]

At first, I thought Bowe's youth and work rate would be a factor in this fight. After taking a moment to watch it in my mind, something different played out.

Bowe is not quick on his feet. He may walk around, but how often do you see him on his toes? Holyfield stood flatfooted against Bowe in the first fight. Holyfield barely won the 2nd, and he fought a smart fight that time. The difference is, Holyfield cannot push Bowe around. George can.

Bowe's jab would not be a huge factor against George. Bowe's jab is overrated. Holyfield, who was shorter, could out jab him. Golata could out jab him. I don't know about George being able to dance around and match jabs with Bowe, but George walking to a flat footed fighter behind a jab is different. It's not like George is going to stand in ring center and jab with Bowe. George is going to come forward behind his jab, like an army using a battle ram to break a gate. He will wobble Bowe, at times, once he is on the inside.

The problem for Foreman is going to be how tough Bowe is when he gets to him. Foreman will be able to get Bowe's attention, maybe even make him "do the dance." Bowe was very tough, though. Remember the 2nd fight with Golata? Golata was the one trying to quit on his stool shortly after dropping Bowe. Had it not been for Bowe's 2nd fight with Golata, I would have sworn Holyfield just couldn't stop Bowe in their 3rd fight because Evander was tired. I have since changed my mind. Bowe had a ton of heart inside the ring. He just didn't have a great work ethic in the gym for every fight, I suppose.

Foreman would get to Bowe at times, take Bowe's jab away, and push Bowe around on the inside. Bowe would just be too active for the old man.

Bowe by decision. I almost talked myself out of it, but I eventually worked myself back to my original thought.

[fists of fury]

Against the better fighters of the division, Foreman's lack of speed was his achilles heel.
It would be no different here.
If the stamina challenged and chinny Tommy Morrison could outbox Foreman, Bowe would have a field day with the old man.

[bigG]

just as i feel tysons style is made for a big george victory......ahem.......stands back, ducks....i feel that bowe is hand made to win a competitive at times match with hard punches from both guys....both may be stunned in this match up, particularly when bowe deviates from his hit n run game plan..which he would first time he got tagged...bowe had a tendency to brawl, but i think his superior handspeed and infighting even give him the edge over big g here.....bowe by close but unanimous decision or late rounds tko......

[4eyes]

for some reason I like George in this one if not then Bowe in a suprisingly competitive SD

[DamonD]

Originally Posted by fists of fury

Against the better fighters of the division, Foreman's lack of speed was his achilles heel.
It would be no different here.
If the stamina challenged and chinny Tommy Morrison could outbox Foreman, Bowe would have a field day with the old man.

Fair enough, but then Morrison fought in a way against Foreman that Bowe would never, and perhaps could never do.

For all the plaudits of his boxing ability, Bowe was never a stick 'n' move guy. He liked to go into the trenches and look to knock guys out, rather than do what might be less exciting but smarter.

For me, it's whether Old Foreman can absorb enough damage to be able to get his own licks in. He showed big durability during his 'second career', but on the other hand you're not gonna be allowed to continue if your eyes are swollen shut...

[MrSmall]

Bowe UD