Former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe left boxing in 2008, having suffered just one defeat in his career.
Losing to Evander Holyfield in a fight where a paraglider entered the ring, Bowe proved himself to be a top heavyweight. Bowe’s bizarre career would see him hang up the gloves with a professional record of 43-1.
‘Big Daddy’ was best known for his trilogy with Holyfield. Winning two of the bouts, Bowe can boast a successful fight series with one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. However, prior to his first meeting with Holyfield, Bowe had a devastating knockout finish.
Riddick Bowe knocked out Bruce Seldon in 1991
In August 1991, a 23-year-old Bowe would be paired up with fellow American Bruce Sheldon. Seldon had an 18-1 record, as he was coming off a stoppage loss to Oliver McCall.
The heavyweights would fight in Atlantic City in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds. However, Bowe would need less than two minutes to get the victory.
Although Seldon would come out with aggression in the opening moments of the round, he was unable to land any huge blows on the then-future champion.
After just over a minute into the fight, a left hook from Bowe would meet Seldon, putting him down. However, Seldon returned to his feet before leaping in the air, showing he was able to continue.
Despite showing his enthusiasm and energy upon the restart, another left hook would see Seldon crashing to the canvas seconds later. Attempting to return to his feet, a dazed Seldon was stumbling and off balance, as the fight was called off.
The fight was Bowe’s 26th win, moving him closer to a world title.
Riddick Bowe would win five more times before first Evander Holyfield fight
Two months after Bowe’s win over Seldon, he would meet Elijah Tillery. Remarkably, he would win the bout via disqualification.
Tillery kicked Bowe as the two had a fiery coming together in the first round. Rematching another two months later, Bowe would win via fourth-round TKO.
Further wins over Conroy Nelson, Everett Martin, and Pierre Coetzer would set up Bowe’s first meeting with Holyfield.
Bowe challenged Holyfield for his heavyweight world titles in Las Vegas in November 1992. With an impressive performance, Bowe handed Holyfield his first professional loss via unanimous decision.