The Lennox Lewis vs Riddick Bowe rivalry is a tale of what could have been one of boxing’s greatest heavyweight clashes.
It started at the 1988 Olympics where Lewis, representing Canada, defeated Bowe in the super-heavyweight final. Fast forward to the pro game and both rose through the ranks with dominant performances. Bowe, with his aggressive style and power, became the undisputed champion in 1992 with a controversial win over Evander Holyfield.
Lewis, one of the most complete heavyweights in the history of the sport, beat Razor Ruddock in a final eliminator to earn his shot at the WBC belt. The pair were ordered to face off.
A fight between them seemed inevitable, a championship chance to settle their Olympic score. However, Bowe refused and infamously binned the WBC belt, vacating rather than facing ‘The Lion.’
Lennox would be elevated to full champion and make three successful defences before a shock loss to Oliver McCall. Bowe lost his remaining belts in a rematch with Holyfield.
Bowe has always maintained that the decision to swerve the Lewis fight was a business decision born from frustrations with the WBC. Lewis, speaking to Sporting News, blamed the American’s manager, Rock Newman. He believes that his rival would have wanted to fight had it not been for outside pressure.
“Rock Newman did not want his golden child at the time, who was creating wealth for him, to take that chance and fight the guy who beat him at the Olympics in 1988. I know that if it was up to Riddick Bowe to make that chance, I think maybe he would have chose to fight me because we’re warriors and gladiators. That’s what we do. But when your manager keeps you away from the guy that beat you, he’s speaking without using any words.”
