Not even close. I'm still amazed at the number of Americans who refuse to give the Klitschko's much credit, while continuing to give Bowe far too much. You can count, on one hand, the number of times Bowe showed up in his best condition. You will have fingers left.
If Bowe was stupid enough to take Andrew Golota lightly, for the admitted reason that he's a white European fighter, than I don't see him doing much better against either Vitali or Wladimir. The difference is that Wladimir might be a bit more merciful where Vitali would make Bowe pay for all the trash he would likely talk before the fight.
Vitali would use the jab and be matched by Bowe's jab. He would then notice Bowe's soft middle and begin to work there for a few rounds while tying up his visibly tiring opponent. Bowe would begin to slow down towards the middle rounds and be blasted to the canvas in round 8.
Barely making it to his feet, Bowe would come out for more punishment but be saved by the bell. A pity as it only delays the inevitable. In round 9, Vitali lands a vicious shot to the ribs, which backs Bowe to the ropes. Vitali never looks good but he's effective. He lands a solid right to the side of the head of his retreating foe. Bowe stumbles and gets caught by a final right, sending him crumbling in a corner. He's still conscious but the referee doesn't bother to count as he knows Bowe can't take anymore.
It would be one of those career changing fights, kinda like the whuppin he took from Golota before Andrew foolish disqualified himself.
V. Klitschko by KO in 9
Another great question, Matt. I think if Riddick Bowe had stayed on point, he would have been one of the great ones.And Vitali is a damned good heavyweight.Prime vs Prime, though, I think Bowe would take a close decision, he could punch, fight inside, and take a decent shot.
Give me the Bowe who beat Holyfield in the 1st fight. Bowe had a short prime but in it I would pick him over Vitali especially with Futch in his corner. Bowe could infight, something I never saw Vitali do and I think that would be the difference.
Great fight Matt. I will answer this later today.
Sorry to make it short on this one but Galactus slammed it out of the park with his answer and I cannot improve on it. It would have been a fun fight to see but Klitschko is proving to me that he is deserving of being called an all time great with his incredible record and is the bigger and stronger fighter here.
Klitschko WTKO10
I'm not betting against Klitschko unless he's fighting someone else named Klitschko.
tough call this one i would lean towards bowe on points if bowe was at his prime but it's a close one
12 rounds
