Lennox Lewis vs. Riddick Bowe

Apart from 1988 :yep

 

Lewis every time. To step into a ring with a man who you are scared of means problems for Bowe.

 

I think history speaks for itself. Bowe lost to Lewis in the Olympics and avoided him as a professional, even though he was a mandatory challenger. That should tell you all you need to know. Bowe would last slightly longer than Grant if they fought in their primes cause Lewis would do what he does to all big and dangerous fighters..come out super aggressive and overwhelm them. Given that Bowe seemed awfully concerned about Lewis' power this is certainly a plausible scenerio.


In terms of their professional careers, I've always liked Lewis' approach. It's sort of comparable to someone (ie Tyson) getting out of high school and going to work. Lewis went to university (ie the olympics) and honed his craft. Make no mistake all the olympic experience Lewis obtained certainly helped him in his professional career. With the odd exception, this pretty much applies across the board. Ali, Foreman, Frazier, Holyfield, Lewis, Bowe, Wlad Klitschko, etc. all had Olympic backgrounds.

 

I don't know if Bowe was afraid of Lewis, or if just his manager was. Rock Nueman made a big presentation of throwing the WBC belt in a trash can to indicate that Bowe would never fight Lewis. Seeing how Lennox almost decapitated Bowe in the Olympics, it seemed to be the most blatant form of ducking a potentially dangerous opponent I've ever seen.
I wonder if Mayweather has some similar stunt in mind to commerate his avoidence of Cotto.

 

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Funny thing is I thought the Olympic fight was a bit of quick stoppage, and while I wasn't on the receiving end of Lewis' punches, I don't recall anything landing that warranted Bowe being terrified of him years later.

 

Riddick Bowe by knockout (in their primes). Bowe had guts and would come to fight. Lewis would come to box... But I think Bowe would land some good punches and knock Lewis out because of his suspect chin plus he (Lewis) got ko'd from right hands before and Bowe's right hand was no joke. If Bowe was in shape and motived he'd beat Lewis on their best nights.

 

When they should have fought 92-95 Even though it was Bowe who ducked Lewis I think Bowe was ahead Of Lewis in his devlopment and would have won.
As for prime for prime I think Lewis would have won.

 

Lewis would easily make Bowe look like an amateur.

 

LL - one of the Greatest Heavyweights EVER!