By Jason Kim: A fight that is rumored might take place is Riddick Bowe (43-1, 33 KO’s) vs. Juan Carlos Gomez (44-2, 35 KO’s). This match-up would be about as interesting to watch as getting a root canal. Bowe, now 40, hasn’t fought in two years and not looked good in about 15 years.
Bowe last fought at a fat 271 for a fight against Gene Pukall in 2008. Before that, Bowe fought in 2005, weighing 280 in a 10 round split decision win over Billy Zumbrun. Bowe was staggered in that fight and looked positively horrible. In the early 90s, Bowe was one of the best heavyweights in the world, and held down the IBF/WBA and WBC heavyweight titles. However, Bowe soon developed weight problems and quickly retired in 1996 after winning two fights by disqualification over Andrew Golota.
Gomez, 36, hasn’t stepped foot in a ring since being stopped in the 9th round by World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko in a March 2009. Gomez, a former WBC cruiserweight champion, hasn’t done much since moving to the heavyweight division in 2002. The high point of Gomez’s career was probably the low point when he was stopped by Vitali. However, as a cruiserweight, Gomez was perhaps the best fighter in the division for a three year period from 1998 to 2001.
After he moved up in weight, Gomez has taken on mostly 2nd tier opposition before losing to Klitschko.
If Bowe does take the fight with Gomez, you would have to believe that Gomez would take this one fairly easy. In 2005, Bowe’s jab was the only thing working for him as his once good right hand was too slow to land. Gomez may not be the best heavyweight in the division, but he’s probably good enough to beat a 40-year-old Bowe.
Comments are closed.