Mike Tyson & Riddick Bowe: A Magical Night for a Great Cause (St Jude’s)

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By Ian Murphy

Despite being inactive as a fighter for nearly ten years, Mike Tyson still has “it”. Not the menacing, angry young man of yesteryear, as his strength now is tempered with peace and humility. Some people might have been reluctant to believe that this “New Nice Guy” Tyson was legit, but as someone who (briefly) met him, I can one-hundred percent say that it is true. He was warm, engaging, and very willing to interact with his fans. Mike has an air of humility and gratitude that most people couldn’t understand unless you met him face to face. Tyson still has a commanding and powerful presence, but there was no threatening gesture or menacing look behind his eyes. I was the last person to get a photo op with him, and he insisted we get that one last picture in. No one is perfect, and like all of us, I am sure Mike has his tough days, but based on how he dealt with me and everyone else at the St. Jude’s benefit at Arbor Ridge Catering Hall, he genuinely came off as happy to be there.

During the St. Jude’s benefit Friday night in Hopewell Junction, New York, Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe wowed the hundreds in attendance with tales of their storied careers and their warm interactions with the fans. Hosted by Hudson Valley, New York boxing historian Ron Lipton, the event provided a great opportunity to meet not only two undisputed Heavyweight Champions, but who were the same age and grew up in the same neighborhood. The two champs aimed to please during the event, both being gracious hosts and interacting with fans, with each being friendly and approachable.

I got a chance to chat a little with Bowe about his famous first fight with Evander Holyfield where he won the belt via UD in 1992. We talked about that historic 10th round, where Riddick hit Holyfield with a great uppercut and staggered him across the ring. Riddick did a hilarious “stumbling Holyfield” impression, capping it with “I can’t believe he didn’t go down!” He then expressed wonder and respect for his three-time adversary, saying he was a great guy and great fighter. Bowe also said “You know what? You have a big head! Easy target!” We then squared up for a picture and Bowe noticed I lined up right hand forward in southpaw position. He then said “Southpaw, huh? You know what I did to the last southpaw I fought? Knockout!” Bowe was just as nice, approachable and funny with the other fans and being that he was one of my favorite fighters growing up, I was more than a little starstruck.

Had I had some one on one time with Mike as I had with Bowe, I would have told him how I first became aware of him. It was in June, 1988 and Tyson was about to fight Michael Spinks for the undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World. I capitalized “world” because this was the real deal (not some alphabet soup creation), with lineage going back over a century to John L. Sullivan. I was six years old, and not supposed to be watching this with my dad and uncles, but I snuck down stairs to watch anyway, because all the grown ups were buzzing about this guy “Tyson”. I saw this stocky, built young man on that TV and was mesmerized. To my young eyes, he moved like a panther, but looked like a shark. I was a little scared, but I just knew he was special. I saw the look in Spinks’ eyes and knew Mike was going to win, and he did, in dramatic fashion via 1st round KO. Mike was “my guy” from then on. Being that I am originally from Queens, NY and he was from Brooklyn (only a few miles away down Atlantic Avenue), he was “the guy” for all the kids in our neighborhood. It was an honor to meet him and he was a gentleman. Maybe someday I’ll get to pick his brain on boxing history, as his knowledge is substantial.

Overall, the night was fantastic. The fans got treated to spend time and interact with two of the last undisputed World Heavyweight Champions. With Tyson and Bowe both being New York boys themselves, it must have been a fun homecoming. They were treated with respect, reverence and honor, which they both certainly deserve. If any of you fans out there get an opportunity to meet Mike and Riddick, jump on the chance. I feel lucky I got to meet them both on the same night. “My guys” had come home, and the 6 and 10 year old in me was beaming all night, basking in the great stories and enjoying the company of two ring warriors.