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Riddick Bowe
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I am not sure how this is going to play out but Riddick Bowe, who was previously diagnosed with some brain damage, is taking a big risk stepping back into the ring after a seven year layoff.
Renowned physician Dr. Flip Homansky of the Nevada State Athletic Commission stated five years ago that Bowe had suffered too many shots to the head and declared he should never fight again. Footage of Bowe’s inability to speak clearly anymore were shown on ESPN in 1997 in a documentary about fighters who had taken too much punishment in their careers and who continue to fight on, not realizing their head trauma could lead to further and more serious damage.
Bowe, 40-1 (32), who turned 37 on August 10, was released from federal prison in mid-May for kidnapping his first wife, Judy Bowe, and their five children in 1998. While in prison, Bowe reportedly lost 25-45 kilos (50-100 pounds) on a regimen that included daily 3-mile runs.
During his trial, the judge barred Bowe from boxing because of possible brain damage, but according to Bowe's attorney, the order was withdrawn when he was released from prison. His attorney added that he is fit to box after undergoing neurological testing.
In April, a judge dismissed a lawsuit filed against Bowe and his former manager, Rock Newman, by a photographer of Sports Illustrated magazine who says he was hurt eight years ago during mayhem after one of the boxer's bouts at Madison Square Garden.
In June, Bowe was acquitted of assault charges after his current wife, Terri, and three other alleged victims who failed to appear in court.
Bowe was a silver medalist at the 1988 Olympics. He became the undisputed heavyweight champ after beating Evander Holyfield in 1992 but lost the crown to Holyfield the next year.
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2004
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By Gary Pino (Aug 20, 2004) 
