Bowe's fame comes from a fight with Holyfield, where a cruiserweight tried to physically grind down a bigger man. For all the glory of that great war, it was also a case of the champ fighting a stupid fight. In that matchup, Bowe had all the advantages. He never proved himself against fighters who were slick technicians and tough at the same time, juts like he never proved himself against big punchers. Holmes' jab, skill and ability to enforce his gameplan would be too much for Bowe.
Holmes but he goes through hell to get the decision if it's Bowe in his prime at 235lbs, as he was against Holyfield. Bowe would have given any heavyweight a nightmare, when he was in that condition.