Rival Snubs Mike Tyson & Lennox Lewis to Give Evander Holyfield the ‘Number One’ Crown

Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe is often considered one of the most decorated fighters in his division. In his exemplary boxing career, Bowe has faced some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division. At the time, heavyweight royalty comprised the vicious trio of the undisputed champions, Evander Holyfield, three-time world champion Lennox Lewis, and ‘The Baddest Man on The Planet’ Mike Tyson. In a recent interview, Bowe was seen ranking these three champs, and bequeathing the crown to ‘The Real Deal’.

Bowe was talking to Rob Tebbutt of ID Boxing. Moreover, the interview saw him engaged in a passionate conversation about his childhood career and his opponents.

Riddick Bowe picks the top fighter in the heavyweight division

In conversation, Bowe was asked to rank Holyfield, Lewis, and Tyson. Bowe quickly responded with his picks, saying, “Well, I’ll have to say Holyfield is number one. Lennox Lewis is second and then Mike Tyson.”

A curious Tebbutt further asked him about the basis of his rankings. In response, Bowe delved into the reasoning behind his picks, saying, “I know Holyfield, no matter what you do to him. Or how you do it, he’s going to be there. They know that too. Lennox, I put him number two, because he’s the biggest of all of us. And I guess he proved that he was durable. He went the distance with all of them.”

Moreover, he gave an insight into why he placed Tyson at the bottom. He said, “Mike, he wasn’t as durable as those guys because you know they knocked him out. But he was in his prime. He was the man, he was knocking everybody out. So I made Mike number three.”

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However, Bowe agreed with Tebbutt that Tyson from the 1980s was truly a force to reckon with.

Bowe never got a chance to fight Mike Tyson

Both Bowe and Tyson were two of the topmost fighters in the heavyweight division. But their paths never crossed. It should also be mentioned that both Bowe and Tyson grew up together. In the early 1990s, Tyson was the reigning heavyweight demigod while Bowe was a promising prospect in the division. And by the time Bowe became the top contender, Tyson found himself incarcerated. Moreover, after coming out of prison Tyson faced lower opponents as his promoters felt that he was not ready for the top contenders.

Even though the duo never faced each other. Bowe strongly believes that he would easily beat Tyson in a potential fight.

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What are your thoughts on Bowe’s rankings? Do let us know in the comments below.