Riddick 'Big Daddy' Bowe, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, has opened up about his regret of hanging up his gloves too soon. The boxing star recently told Boxing News he wishes he hadn't retired at the young age of 29.
Bowe's career in the ring was impressive. He claimed the undisputed heavyweight title in the early 1990s and only lost once as a pro. His most famous fights were against Evander Holyfield. Bowe beat Holyfield for the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles in their first encounter. He lost the rematch but got his revenge in their third fight, stopping Holyfield in the eighth round in 1995.
After two controversial wins against Andrew Golota, both ending in disqualifications, Bowe shocked everyone by retiring. Now, he admits that decision was a mistake.
In a recent interview with Boxing News, Bowe said:
"Because I listened to my manager Rock Newman, I listened to him that's why [my prime] was short. He made me retire, told me to retire. I listened to him when I should have told him to kiss my ass and keep it moving, I should have kept on fighting."
Bowe didn't stay retired for long. He came back to the ring in 2004 after a seven-year break. He fought three more times, with his last fight in December 2008 against Gene Pukall. Bowe won that bout on points over eight rounds.
Looking back, Bowe's career was still great. He fought 45 times as a pro and won almost all of them. But his words show how hard it is for boxers to know when to quit. Many struggle with the decision and often come back later. Bowe's story reminds us that even champions can have regrets about when they stepped away from the sport they love.
