Witherspoon matches Bowe in the pocket with his head movement, eventually detonates that overhand right through Bowes poor defence and floors Riddick before taking over the fight as Bowe tries to pull it back. Witherspoon SD.
Possibly yes Bowe had issues vs fighters with good jabs and Witherspoon has a better defence than Bowe on the inside with his cross arm defence. Witherspoon is a bit bigger than Holyfield and I don't think Bowe would be able to bully Witherspoon on the inside. I think quite alot of the 80s Heavyweights at their peak could give Bowe problems.
At his very best maybe. But Bowe had a great chin. I'd actually say he'd have a better chance against Lewis.
If we were to take the Bowe of the first Holyfield fight in 1992 vs Witherspoon who gave Holmes fits in 1983 it would be a very close and competitive match. I’m inclined to favoring Riddick Bowe but it would be close
Absolutely. The cause and effect though would be huge..........Bowe was worn out early. Real early. Another toe to toe battle see's him washed up like 2 years earlier. He'd be in Leon Spinks category as far as deterioration is concerned.
Tough fight. I could definitely see Tim beating a slipping version of Bowe around the time he was going a lite crazy. 1995 -96. Witherspoon could give almost anyone a rough nite when he was in top condition.
I think if both were at their best, and both wanting it (eg Bowe V Holyfield 1) then we've got an absolute belter.
Prime-for-prime, I’d favor Riddick Bowe, but Tim Witherspoon would be a difficult opponent. Bowe was bigger, busier, and more complete offensively. At his best he had an excellent jab, strong infighting, a heavy right hand, and unusual stamina for a heavyweight his size. Witherspoon had the better overhand right, a very good chin, and enough craft to punish Bowe’s defensive lapses. The key problem for Witherspoon is pace. He often fought in spurts, while Bowe could keep working behind the jab and make the fight physical inside. Witherspoon’s looping right would land because Bowe was hittable, but he probably would not throw enough consistently to win seven or eight rounds. Likely result: Bowe by competitive unanimous decision, something like 116–112 or 115–113. I’d give Bowe roughly a 65–35 advantage. Witherspoon’s upset route would be landing the “can-opener” right repeatedly, slowing Bowe down, and making him hesitant. I would not rule out a late stoppage if Bowe came in poorly prepared, but the best 1992–93 Bowe likely outworks him.
