Bowe: Was Futch right?

This is one of the more intelligent threads on here lately.

Bowe was arguably the most naturally talented out of the big 4 in the 90s, meaning the inclusion of Holyfield, Lewis and Tyson in that list. It was also a pretty decent HW era all round with some good boxers on the fringe and the likes of Foreman still around and Moorer, Ruddock, Mercer, etc.

It was a shame that Bowe did not fight Tyson or Lewis as when he was fit and in the zone they both would have been up against it. I think it was less about food and more about mentality with Riddick and papa smurf was probably right about the potential.

I also think that he underestimated Holyfield in the return who was magnificent, his best performance.. and would have beaten anyone on the planet on that night regardless of silly skydivers etc...

MBH

Bowe got too big for himself. He had serious boxing know how but say what you want about him...he also had something the division, Tyson and Holyfield as champions lacked..a legitimate champion with a huuuge personality and charisma. The guy blew up massively in the spotlight. He didn't lack heart, he lacked focus and someone kicking him in the ass other than Elijah Tillery.

He had the talent but not the heart.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrbig1

He had the talent but not the heart.

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A fighter doesn't take what he sponged with Holyfield and Golota over 5 fights and not have heart.

Well for what it's worth I think Bowe was not so much scared of Lennox personally but I think after winning the title he wanted to hold onto it for a while and not be regarded as a 1-time champ as others have, but rather he wanted to be considered a REAL champion like Tyson and Holmes.

He knew Lennox was really good and did not want to risk losing it to Lewis right away whom he hated badly. The thought of Lennox undermining him and stealing his legacy was unbearable, so maybe he figured by avoiding him he could continue to reign and leave the element of doubt which he somewhat has. A cowardly act still to be sure. But one motivated more out of selfishness than fear.

Atleast that's my theory which could be off mark but we will never really know.

As for the problems with the rest of Bowe's career, I think the Bowe who rose to prominence was focussed, dedicated in his training and just as talented as the rest of the "big 4" as I like the way that was put (the others being Holyfield, Tyson and Lewis).

But I think winning the title was everything for Bowe. I think once he achieved this he subconsciously reached his state of satisfaction. The heavyweight championship for Bowe was a "goal" not a "destiny" as Lewis viewed it. And so he fell back into his old habits of eating and getting lazy with his training, ballooning up and ultimately getting pasted by Golota.

"Heart" had nothing to do with it, Bowe had plenty. "Discipline" was the problem.

Newman said... "Bowe absolutely loved the idea of being the Heavyweight Champion. But he absolutely hated the sacrifices and effort it took to actually BE that person."