As pros, both fighters took different paths to the top. Bowe became known for his aggressive style and powerful punches. He reached the pinnacle of the sport in 1992 when he became the undisputed heavyweight champion after a controversial win over Evander Holyfield. Lewis, on the other hand, developed into one of the most complete heavyweights in history. He earned his shot at the WBC belt by beating Razor Ruddock in a final eliminator.
The stage seemed set for an epic clash when the WBC ordered Lewis to fight Bowe. Fans got excited about the chance to see these two settle their Olympic score. But things didn't go as expected.
Bowe refused to fight Lewis and gave up his WBC belt. He even threw the belt in a trash can, making a statement that grabbed headlines. This move led to Lewis being named the full WBC champion without throwing a punch.
Lewis went on to defend his title three times before suffering a shock loss to Oliver McCall. Bowe's career took a hit too when he lost his remaining belts in a rematch with Holyfield.
Bowe has said his decision to avoid the Lewis fight was about business and his issues with the WBC. But Lewis sees it differently. In a recent interview with Sporting News, Lewis put the blame on Bowe's manager, Rock Newman.
"Rock Newman did not want his golden child at the time, who was creating wealth for him, to take that chance and fight the guy who beat him at the Olympics in 1988. I know that if it was up to Riddick Bowe to make that chance, I think maybe he would have chose to fight me because we're warriors and gladiators. That's what we do. But when your manager keeps you away from the guy that beat you, he's speaking without using any words."
Lewis believes Bowe would have wanted to fight if not for outside pressure. Evander Holyfield, who fought Lewis twice and had a trilogy with Bowe, thinks Bowe would have won if the fight happened before Lewis teamed up with trainer Emanuel Steward.
The Lewis-Bowe saga remains one of boxing's great unanswered questions, leaving fans to forever debate what might have been in this heavyweight clash that never was.