Ex-heavyweight champ Riddick Bowe gets TKO’d in Thai kickboxing
By JOCELYN GECKER Associated Press June 14, 2013 12:48PM
Former heavyweight boxing champion Riddick Bowe of the U.S., left, lies on the canvas after he was knocked down by Levgen Golovin of Russia, right, during their World Muay Thai or Kick Boxing Super Heavyweight Championships fight in Pattaya, Thailand Friday, June 14, 2013. Golovin won the bout in a second round knockout by kicking on the leg. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
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Updated: June 14, 2013 12:50PM
PATTAYA, Thailand — Wincing in pain and clutching his shins, Riddick Bowe ended his debut in Thai kickboxing with a thud in the second round.
The 45-year-old former world heavyweight boxing champion came to a rude awakening on Friday that Muay Thai is just as punishing.
Bowe was assaulted by kicks to the shins from his 30-year-old Russian opponent Levgen Golovin.
The fighter known as “Big Daddy” lost his balance and fell five times before the bout was ended by technical knockout on his last fall.
Bowe’s last boxing fight was in 2008. He says he decided to try Muay Thai because he was bored with retirement and needs the cash. He made $150,000 from Friday’s fight.
Bowe beat Evander Holyfield in 1992 to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
