Riddick Bowe Starts MMA Career @ 40

Thursday, November 08, 2007
by Josh Gross (joshg@sherdog.com)

Riddick Bowe says he wants to be the first man to hold major boxing and mixed martial arts titles at the same time. The problem for the 40-year-old former world heavyweight boxing king, he's closer to a title in MMA -- and he's never tried the sport.

"I've been running, doing things as I was doing them in boxing," Bowe told Sherdog.com Wednesday evening at the Circus Nightclub in Hollywood, Calif., where he was on hand to announce a "tentative" MMA debut on Dec. 12.

"I guess now all I have to do is get down with the ground work," he said.

Having never been on the mat, Bowe said he plans on his first MMA-related grappling session to take place on Veteran's Day.

"I'm going to be a little anxious and what have you," Bowe said, "but I think as time progresses, I should pick it up like I pick everything else up."

In September 2004, after seven and a half years away from the ring, Bowe attempted a comeback. Following a stoppage of Marcus Rhode in the second round of his return bout, Bowe struggled mightily against journeyman Billy Zumbrun, managing just a close split decision victory. After enduring considerable punishment over 10 rounds, Bowe discontinued his comeback effort.

A two-time heavyweight world champion, Bowe reigned as undisputed heavyweight champion during his first tenure. He is perhaps best remembered for his trilogy with Evander Holyfield in which he won the first and third bouts, and his pair of bouts with Andrew Golota.

Asked why he was stepping into MMA, Bowe joked "because I ain't got nothing else to do."

The 6-foot-5 "Big Daddy" said he wasn't sure which sport -- boxing or MMA -- offered a truer test in determining the world's best fighter. It's likely he'll have a much better idea just over a month from now.