Riddick Bowe

Three-time heavyweight champion whose trilogy with Holyfield produced the finest series of heavyweight fights of the 1990s.

Riddick Lamont Bowe was born in Brooklyn in 1967 and became undisputed heavyweight champion with a professional record of 43 wins (33 by knockout) and 1 loss across a career spanning 1989 to 2008. He won Olympic silver at the Seoul Games in 1988 — losing the final to Lennox Lewis — before turning professional. His trilogy with Evander Holyfield produced some of the finest heavyweight boxing of the 1990s: he won the undisputed title in November 1992, lost it to Holyfield in November 1993 in a majority decision, and won it back in November 1994 by TKO. The second fight was interrupted by a paraglider landing in the ring in the 7th round — the most bizarre incident in championship boxing history. He won Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1992 and 1993. His career was hampered by weight problems, poor management decisions and personal issues — he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1997 but was discharged after 11 days. His power — 33 knockouts in 43 wins — combined with his size (6ft 5in, 240+ lbs) made him one of the most physically imposing heavyweights of his era.

Orthodox stance, excellent jab, strong inside fighter with good footwork for his size

One of the greatest heavyweights of the 1990s, known for his size, power and ring intelligence

• Undisputed Heavyweight Champion 1992–1993, 1995
• WBA and IBF Heavyweight Champion 1993–1994
• Olympic Silver 1988 (Seoul, Superheavyweight)
• Ring Magazine Fighter of Year 1992, 1993
• Trilogy with Evander Holyfield — 3 legendary fights