Riddick Bowe is a name often mentioned alongside that of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Lennox Lewis, and was a destructive operator, something an opponent who got on the wrong side of him soon found out.
Riddick Bowe retired in 2008 with a record of 43-1. He was only beaten once, by Evander Holyfield, in their rematch after he claimed victory over the legend.
Bowe cemented himself with another win over Holyfield two years after the loss, making their rivalry 2-1 Bowe, with the third instalment ending in destructive fashion.
This, however, was not his most brutal or his most violent encounter, as one year before his first fight with Holyfield, who had his license suspended after a terrible performance, Bowe faced a man who struck with something he’d never been struck with before.
Riddick Bowe’s opponent was disqualified after kicking him in brawl after one round of fighting
In 1991, 26-0 Bowe faced 23-4 Elijah Tillery. Tillery had been beaten by Alfonzo Ratliff, who fought one-legged boxer Craig Bodzianowski.
Bowe’s fight with Tillery ended in chaos as, after just one round, a brawl ensued when Bowe struck Tillery with a jab after the bell.
There was much confusion though, as the round was seemingly supposed to end 15 seconds earlier, and it was unclear why the ref had let the two men continue for a few seconds.
In retaliation for Bowe’s foul, Tillery committed a foul of his own, kicking Bowe three times. A brawl ensued, and Tillery was pulled over the ropes and out of the ring by Bowe’s manager.
Tillery was disqualified for his kick.
Riddick Bowe punished Elijah Tillery for kicking him in their rematch
Just two months after their first fight, Bowe, known for throwing his belt in the bin to avoid Lennox Lewis, and Tillery met once more, this time in a fight that did not end in chaos, but did end in destruction.
Bowe, who Mike Tyson avoided, ensured there would be no doubt as to who was the victor, stopping Tillery in four rounds with a conclusive knockout that put a firm full-stop on the pair’s rivalry.
Tillery only had one more fight before retiring, against James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith, who beat Frank Bruno in what he claims was his toughest fight.
Bowe ended his career with nine straight wins.