One On One... Riddick Bowe & Evander Holyfield
When I walked through the doors of The Heavy Weight
Factory in Ft. Lauderdale, FL to meet with the one and only
Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe, little did I know the treat that
awaited me. My experience with him was incredible and the
privilege of spending the day with Bowe peeled back the
covers of what it’s like to know a true champion. prize. I looked up to him throughout my life. I was proud to
carry his casket in his farewell celebration.”
Years after his last fight, Bowe remains a menacing figure.
His fists dwarf most men his size and his light hearted trash
talking has both humor and confidence. Still quick on his
feet, I have no doubt he’d give a young fighter a run for his
money. He is the only boxer to hold all four Heavy Weight
Championship belts at once. Jennifer: What’s your favorite food Bowe?
Bowe: “I love Chinese food. The egg rolls & fried rice -
Our discussions included details of his storied past
ranging from lessons learned to future goals. We talked at
length about his latest passion, The Riddick Bowe Better
Life Foundation, which aspires to improve the lives of
economically challenged children and families.
As luck would have it, we were joined by another champion,
Evander Holyfield one of Bowe’s greatest competitors.
Holyfield reigned as the undisputed champion in both the
cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, being the first,
and to date only boxer, to do so. This achievement earned
him the nickname “The Real Deal”.
Despite their battles in the ring, the friendship between
these two is apparent. Like Bowe, Holyfield has maintained
his physical fitness in his retirement. When asked what
keeps the youthful glow, he firmly responded, having
balance and maintaining a good diet. He loves his Nutra–
Bullet and admits to eating Subway every day, in his own
words “I eat fresh.”
Jennifer: What is your biggest regret?
Bowe: “Trusting the wrong people and the time lost from
spending with my children.”
they're not the best for my health, but I love them!
Jennifer: What are you focused on now?
Bowe: Making a difference in the community. Being an
inspiration to youth through the Riddick Bowe Better Life
Foundation.
Jennifer: What advice would you give to an up and coming
fighter?
Bowe: “To roll with the punches!”
Currently Bowe’s professional profile includes personal
appearances for private parties, celebrity meet and greets
with signing, radio and film. Bowe also provides personal
trainings and chaperoned security.
For booking information email
talent@ibasuccess.com
Discussions of a possible rematch later this year are
underway. Proceeds would supplement Christmas for
families who are in need. Bowe was relentless in his
pursuit of the rematch, urging Holyfield to jump in the ring
one more time for the kids! Both fighters are legends and
dedicated to giving back to the community. Stay tuned to
IBA Success Magazine, the best is yet to come!
Jennifer: Where did your boxing career begin?
Bowe: “I learned to fight in the rough streets of Brownsville,
New York. Being in a huge family with 12 siblings, fighting
was a normal routine. That’s why I am a great fighter. My
brothers and sisters didn’t realize they were creating a
monster and then I made it into the Hall of Fame.”
Jennifer: What’s one of your greatest accomplishments?
Bowe: “Being inducted in the International Hall of Fame.”
Jennifer: What was one of the matches that you will never
forget?
Bowe: “The 12 rounds that I beat Holyfield in 1992”
Jennifer: Who was a mentor to you along the way and what
did you learn from them?
Bowe: “Muhammad Ali was like a father to me. He
encouraged me to sharpen my talents and focus on the
Volume 3 • Issue 2 | 2017 19