PZ: You had an incredible fight record. 45 wins with only one loss, with a KO record of just under 75% After only three years of being a pro you challenged Evander Holyfield for the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight boxing titles. How nervous were you going into that fight against an unbeaten Holyfield.
RB: My record should have been 45-0! Paul – have you seen the fight?? What did you think?
PZ: I thought a draw would have been about right Riddick. With you sitting in front of me right now though, I might even be swayed to say that you should have won straight on all the judges cards and that you were robbed.
RB: Ha!! That’s what I’m talking about my man! On a serious note though. They gave that fight to Evander by one point, and with me being the champ, you would have thought the decision would have swayed my way.
You mention that Evander held the WBC, WBA and IBF belts. You know why he was holding them? He was holding them for me!
In terms of being nervous, I had already fought a number of times against some tough opponents by that stage in my career, so I certainly wasn’t nervous. More anxious perhaps to get in the ring and wait for the first bell to sound and prove to the world that I was the best heavyweight in the world that particular moment in time.
PZ: Round 10 of your first fight with Evander is regarded as one of the best rounds ever in boxing. Tell us what you remember.
RB: I remember getting hit a couple of times! I knew that I was in tremendous shape, and no matter what Evander threw at me I was ready to answer it. We had sparred before and I think he doubted my stamina and thought he could get me in the latter rounds, but in never happened. I was in such great shape, I was willing to fight King Kong if need be at that time!
PZ: You lost your second fight by a close margin, but had a lot on your mind at the time. That apart, having a guy with a parachute landing in the ring surely couldn’t have helped! Tell us what you remember about that episode?
RB: I remember battling with Holyfield and then the parachute was about to come into the ring, but although Evander looked like he didn’t want to fight with this guy flying in, I was more concerned Evander would suddenly hit me! I didn’t take my eyes off Evander until I could see that he was 100% not focusing on me.
PZ: You went on to have a third fight with Evander and you stopped him via TKO in the 8th. A great trilogy by any standards. Did you and Evander remain friends? Last time you have seen him?
RB: Me and Evander still talk and he’s a friend. My toughest fights in my career were against him and I will always have a lot of respect for him. The hardest punch I ever received though was from Herbie Hide! It was so hard I felt like I was fighting with my eyes closed for about two minutes!
PZ: I believe one of the reasons you are in the UK is to receive an honorary version of the WBC Belt. Remind us why you ‘binned’ the original belt, and how happy and excited are you to receive the belt this time round?
RB: I didn’t bin the belt because I was angry, I did it because I will ill advised by one of my people (Rod Newman). There was a discrepancy over whether I should fight Lennox Lewis or not, and as my mentor I listened to his advice. However, if I could go back and change the hands of time, and know what I know now, I would have never have binned the belt. It was wrong.
In terms of receiving the honorary belt this time round, it’s a dream come true. I always loved the WBC and it’s widely regarded by myself and most of the boxing crowd to be ‘The’ belt to win. So, twenty or so years later I get this opportunity, it’s like I’m redeeming myself.
PZ: You’ve had your troubles in the past and have had to deal with some horrible family tragedies, but understand you are refocusing your life. I believe you are involved in a number of charity initiatives. Can you please expand on what exactly and why it’s importantly to you to give back in society.
RB: I want to get the kids off the street, and instead of using knives to kill each other, let’s get them in the ring and in the gym. Who knows what would have happened to me if as a kid I didn’t have boxing. I had people to steer me in the right direction, so I’d like to be able to, hopefully, do the same for others. Whilst on tour in the UK and the USA I would like to spread this message, and hopefully get some clubs set up also to train these guys and help them become better people.
PZ: How much of a guidance is religion?
RB: God is good ain’t he? I was brought up as a Baptist since I was a kid, and religion certainly acts as a positive influence in guiding my life.
PZ: Who wins between Tyson Fury and David Haye?
RB: David Haye. I have him knocking Fury out in under six rounds.
PZ: You are a two time world heavyweight champion who held the WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF titles. What’s important to you in life now?
RB: Just to clear something up. Did you realise that in history nobody ever held all those versions of the world titles from the various sanctioning bodies except me?
My wife and my daughter are the most important things in my life now.
PZ: If you could have sparred 3 rounds with any past boxing legend from years gone, who would it have been?
RB: That would have to be with my idol – Mohamed Ali. The greatest fighter of all time. He called himself ‘the greatest’ and I call myself ‘the latest’!
So that was my 10 minutes with the champ. A great evening at Surbiton Amateur Boxing Club, but also a few thank-yous need to be mentioned. Richie Woodhall did an excellent job hosting the Q & A with Riddick, and the silent hero, John Murphy from the WBC for ensuring the evening ran smoothly, but also for (yet again), helping to raise valuable funds for charity – on this occasion Headly Court. Well done John – legendary stuff. Big thanks also to Frank and Madeleine from the Saucy Kettle pub in Surbiton for hosting the after party.