By James Slater: Last seen boxing as a 271-pounder back in December of 2008, former heavyweight king Riddick Bowe is planning to “shock and amaze the world” with a comeback that will begin in January of next year and will reveal an in-shape “cut up” Big Daddy..
Speaking with Mailonline.com, the 44-year-old who could have been a true great back in his 1992 to 1995 prime years, says he is coming back primarily because the excitement is lacking in today’s Klitschko-dominated heavyweight division.
“There is no-one to watch anymore,” Bowe said. “I am hoping to be back some time in the month of January. The world will be shocked and amazed by me looking the part and being the part because I am going to be cut up.
“Where is the excitement? There is no-one like Mike Tyson. No-one like myself.”
Bowe, 43-1(33) certainly will surprise fans if he sports a “cut up” physique in his return. Never exactly svelte even in his heyday, Bowe has scaled as high as the 280s when boxing at veteran stage. Even older now and having been inactive for the last three years and for 12 of the last fifteen years (one fight in 2004, one in 2005, one in 2008), it’s unlikely Bowe will be able to get himself into the great shape he thinks (is deluding himself ?) he will.
We have no idea where Bowe will fight in January (if the comeback actually gets off the ground – will Bowe, who has admitted in the past to suffering from brain damage, even get a licence to box?), or who the ageing former champ will face. A sensational fighter in his prime, who did light up the heavyweight division with three epic fights against Evander Holyfield and two controversial ones with Andrew Golota. But in 2012? Bowe will not add excitement, only concern to sport that is already clogged up with old guys unable or unwilling to call it a day.
Bowe thinks he can beat the Klitschkos! If any commission allows such a match-up to take place, the sport is in far worse shape than the we thought. The critics would have an absolute field day if a big name such as Bowe wound up seriously hurt. Or worse.
Stay at home, Riddick; and wait for your call from The Hall of Fame.