Riddick Bowe vs Vitali Klitscho

The talent disparity in this matchup is extremley wide. Bowe is just so much the better more proven fighter.

 

I think so too. Bowe was excellent on offense (outside of the jab which is consider to be average, especially for his size), but his defence was mediocre at best and Riddick's prime lasted for a grant total of one fight... I think the early rounds will be give-and-take, but VK manages to avoid more and more shots while landing at a steady rate, to a late stoppage or a decision win.

Then again, seeing the humongous amount of attrition punishment Bowe can take (Golota I & II), and given that Vitali is very heavy handed but not a big single punch hitter, i'm guessing this bout goes the distance. Which is a bad thing: the Golota II fight should've been stopped in the 5nd round and Vitali would probably wreck Bowe if again there is no corner/ref stoppage. Everyone who lost to Vitali Klitschko didn't just lose, but got beat up BAD.

 

Yes, that is why i think the Golota fight is somewhat indicative - even if Bowe was past his best there. He never fought a skilled big man before that.


I may be selling Bowe a bit short though. His combination of size, offensive tools and durability give him a chance against anyone.


p.s. what did you think of the Golota-Bowe fight during the 90's, Magoo? Chicago has a large Polish fanbase, right?

 

I'm thinking this would be a great fight.

 

Hardly a Prime Bowe, which I assume this fight is about, Vitali hasnt fought anyone nearly as good as a Prime Bowe, 37yo Lennox Lewis included

 

How do you 'win the night' by having your neck snapped back time and again with power shots while holding on for dear life without being able to particularly bother your opponent with your own weaker shots? Nevermind the fact your face is ripped to shreds

 

To be fair, outside of the fouls, Golota showed tremendous skill combined with a big (super)heavyweight frame and workrate. If his head was screwed on right and with a better chin, he could've been the division's best for a at least a brief moment, or be in the top3 anyway.. from the devastating Lewis loss, it all went downhill. He was somewhat unlucky to run into perhaps the best version of Lennox ever.

 

Yep, Bowe had the amateur pedigree too, his silver medal at the Olympics was a fine achievement considering his age at the time. VITLAY on the other hand has a massive black mark on his amateur career due to his steroid abuse - something that his fanboys conveniently forget when they're mocking the likes of Jones and Toney for allegedly doing the same atsch

 

Neither. I don't think either has ever been good at keeping his hands up.

 

Bowe was durable but he got hit often and like you said he enjoyed size over a lot of opponents and Bowe had good skills but durable or not I think he would have taken a beating from Vitali and Lewis but he gave up the crown not to fight Lennox...think he knew something

 

Ill go with Vitali, but with little certainty. I just think Bowe is too open. Bowe is superior in many ways but I think Vitali could make him pay. It's a closer fight than most make out...

 

Prime Bowe could edge this, but any other version suffers a decision loss.