30 years ago
Herbie Hide vs Riddick Bowe
Date: 11th March 1995
Venue: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada
Title: WBO World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Rock Newman
Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing
Herbie Hide
(
26
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 214 lbs
Riddick Bowe
(
35
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 241 lbs
On March 11, 1995, former undisputed heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe faced off against WBO heavyweight titleholder Herbie Hide at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout, televised on HBO World Championship Boxing, marked Bowe's attempt to regain a portion of the heavyweight crown he had lost to Evander Holyfield in 1993.
Hide, an undefeated champion from Britain, started strong in the early rounds, using his quickness and agility to outbox the larger Bowe. However, Bowe's power and experience began to take over in the third round when he sent Hide to the canvas multiple times. Though referee Richard Steele mistakenly ruled one of the knockdowns a slip, it was clear that Hide was beginning to tire.
In the fourth round, Hide managed to stagger Bowe with a combination, but Bowe responded by scoring two more knockdowns before the round ended. Hide showed tremendous heart by continuing to fight back, but Bowe's relentless pressure and heavy hands proved too much for the champion.
In the sixth round, Bowe scored a sixth knockdown, prompting Hide's corner to throw in the towel to save their fighter from further punishment. Steele, however, ignored the towel as it was against the rules. Moments later, Bowe knocked Hide down for the seventh time; this time, Hide could not beat the count. Bowe was declared the winner by knockout at 2:25 of the sixth round, capturing the WBO heavyweight title.
The victory marked a significant step in Bowe's comeback, as he had struggled to find his footing after losing his titles to Holyfield. However, Bowe would vacate the title to pursue a third fight with Holyfield despite making one successful defence of his newly won WBO belt. Though he won the rubber match by technical knockout, Bowe's career would soon be derailed by controversial fights with Andrew Golota and a long hiatus from the ring.
For Hide, the loss to Bowe was a setback, but he would go on to defeat Tony Tucker to regain the WBO heavyweight title in 1997. While not as high-profile as some of Bowe's other bouts, the Bowe-Hide fight showcased the former champion's power and determination as he sought to reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division.
Herbie Hide vs Riddick Bowe on YouTube
