I suppose I'd pick Bowe too, because a Sanders in peak condition was regrettably hard to find. Still, with Bowe's horrid defense and Corrie's quick and powerful hands, I think he'd be very much a live underdog.
Bowe seemed to have a great chin because he never fought a good puncher. Holyfield had him down, Golota had him down twice, Lewis stopped him in the amateurs and the limited Hide had him out on his feet. He should be favored over Sanders, but Sanders has handspeed, size and power the likes of which Bowe had been steered away from. Given Bowe's lack of defense and brawl-happiness, don't be surprised to see an early upset.
I'd like to think that Futch would have Sanders sufficiently scouted, and would make sure Bowe would be careful in the opening 3 rounds or so. Because even at his best, Sanders was typically a much less effective fighter past that point. Bowe could then break down Sanders for a nice-looking stoppage around 6 or 7. If Bowe wades in looking for a nice KO1 though, that could be a real mistake.
Sanders was always out of puff after 2-3 rounds. He may score an early KD or cause the odd problem but he'd get battered in the mid rounds and stopped as his punch output drops to single figures
To be fair though, most are basing their opinions (I'm assuming, yes) on the fat, over-the-hill guy who fought the Klitschkos. There was once upon a time a Sanders that didn't gas after 2 or 3 rounds. It took him 7 or 8.
No Sanders always gassed early, hes never proved he can fight past the first 3rounds against a top contender. Rahman outlasted him when they fought in 2000
And he was no spring chicken in 2000. He was less inclined to train and was more interested in golf at that point.
Sanders was always a puff out? This is wrong. Sanders has gone 10 or 12 rounds many times. I'd go with a motivated and in shape Bowe to win in the ealry to mid 1990's. If Bowe shows up like he did vs Donald, Golota, or Holyfield 3, then Sanders would be my pick to win.
Bowe TKO5 Sanders was always dangerous early and had the power to hurt anybody, but Bowe was more skilled on the outside and on the inside.
Sanders has gone 12 rounds once, vs Puritty in '97. He didn't look exactly ready to dance a jig by the end of that one, either. He's gone to 10 six times, but against five weak opponents and Johnny Nelson - hardly Mr. Pressure fighter.
Going 10 rounds against Ross Purrity where you only need to throw in single digits does not mean you can fight 10-12 HARD ROUNDS. Sanders has never proven he can go 10-12 hard rounds and win AGAINST A CONTENDER
Sanders either scored a knockout or was knocked out vs contenders. If he fought a guy trying to surive, he'd go 10 or 12. My main point was when you said This is false.