The Murder of Donald Bowers

A look back at former amateur boxing star Donald Bowers

[@daveherbst5080]

Wow Rich, sad story for sure. Thanks for letting us know about this talented fighter who deserves some recognition for his work in the ring

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Dave.

[@tayblue7642]

It’s ironic I see this story this year. Donald became a stepdad to me at the age of 9. This story definitely captures his struggles throughout his life and I appreciate you for paying respect. It still bothers me to this day that his murder is unsolved. The basketball goal outside of the home is where I spent a lot of my time because he put it there for me. I still am in shock that someone so pure and genuine could go out of this world the way he did. He was a father, mentor, great coach, and the only man I’ve ever called dad. Thanks for sharing.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My condolences, Tay. Thank you for sharing as well.

[@DANVIIL]

Thanks for the video. It brought back some great memories. The last fight looked like it was fought in the old Blue Horizon in Philly which was the best location for watching a fight. I used to get seats in the first row upstairs and you were looking down right over the ring. Many neighborhood wars were fought there. My Dad would my brother and me down there when we were in grade school to watch some of the 1960s future contenders, like Stanley "Kitten" Hayward. I saw Matthew Franklin fight there in the late '70s and many other great fighters.

[@v2vroth]

You always show respect, true facts about all these fighters. Your channel is awesome 🥊🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Vinny.

[@GazAce]

This is my favorite boxing channel of all time. I mean this is the GOAT of all old school boxing clips & awesome historical & interesting eyebrow raisers. Great job Rich, I really enjoy these stories man, thank you 👌🙂

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Wow, thanks so much GazAce

[@brianseneca3546]

Another great one Rich. I thought I knew a lot of fighters especially from the 80's. You educate and entertain me daily. thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Brian.

[@plzineedtogowayrn6353]

Thank you for digging up these stories

[@gerryd7027]

When this man goes investigating he nails it. Great clip 👌 😎🥊

[@benlogan430]

That Hines fight should have been a DQ win for Bowers

[@charternicholson9933]

He was very talented. It is hard for a fighter in Tennessee to get the experience he needed to succeed. He never should have been in there against Curtis Parker. Training is so hard to maintain weight if you have that lifestyle that bounces weight. Hines did cheap shot him when he was down in that fight. Easy to look down on someone who we view as wasted talent...we should look at it as if we missed an opportunity to see a consistent contender and this is what "Rich the Historian" has brought to light. Thanks again Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Charter.

[@stevon521]

My best friend "Jug" we called Donald Bowers. Jug has a great family & he loved them very much.. No one appears to care about justice" who killed my friend" .Donald once shared with me that the late coach Rayford was like a dad to him. The late coach Rayford day job was at the local newspaper the Jackson Sun where he Rayford blabbed & sullied the Bowers name, I could share so many many good time story's . R.I.P my friend. Thx for posting Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sorry about your friend, Stevon. Thanks for the share.

[@shaneculkin7124]

Thank you Rich for taking the time to share this story with us. It belongs on your channel 👍 You do really great work here.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Shane.

[@dprich100]

Rich, That's one of the dirtiest few seconds I've ever seen in a fight and I've been a boxing fan for over 60 years. Bowers was knocked down, being held up by the ropes, and Hines literally held onto the top rope for leverage with his right arm and hit Bowers with a series of illegal shots with his left hand. That was also some of the most incompetent officiating I've ever seen from a referee.

[@marlonreid5201]

I am glad i subscribed to this channel. Rich, you're the best at these docs. Untouchable!!

[@darkplayer5535]

Wanna go for Jessie James Leija the most mysterious mexican fighter in history.

[@karlyoung5089]

Loved watching Leija fight. He took on some great fighters. Had a very good trilogy with Azumah Nelson. We just don't get fights like that anymore. I look back at the 90s as a golden age. So many great fights during that decade.

[@francisthompson6470]

Everybody's a dreamer and everybody's a star And everybody's in show biz, it doesn't matter who you are And those who are successful Be always on your guard Success walks hand in hand with failure Along Hollywood Boulevard

[@whitehurstcomic]

I remember reading about him in the Jackson Sun, thanks for another great piece of work.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, whitehurstcomic

[@teanshin]

Thats what happens to boxers who cant find the way of life outside boxing

[@MrShanehanke]

Dear Mr Historian, I just came across this site,and OMG THANK YOU SIR. I am actually speechless. Thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for the support, Shane, it is appreciated.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Seriously the best boxing history channel on the internet

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, CTO

[@toddsmith5715]

Great find, Rich. Thank you for sharing. I remembered the name but knew essentially nothing about him. Tragic, but sadly, not uncommon.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Todd.

[@jamescook4116]

This work deserves more recognition. Fascinating to see a fighter like Bowers cross paths with Robert Hines. From the information presented, Bowers was troubled from the get-go. Very sad to see how much he physically declined in the mug shot. Speaking of Robert Hines, he would have an interesting story I imagine. Buster Drayton would be a great subject to consider as well. Thank you as always Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, James. Agreed on Drayton.

[@mikeenfinger5985]

I knew Donald, he was a great guy. I met him for the first time in 1981, went to his funeral several years ago Such a terrible way to end up

[@STAPLES8143]

I watch all your videos, I absolutely love this,thank you for all the research

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Jesse.

[@g.sergiusfidenas6650]

When you reach the late 90s and early 2000s the Lawrence Clay Bey vs Clifford Etienne fight could be a great background to talk about specially given the bizarre twist Etienne's life took some years afterwards. It is also an insane slugfest that stole the show that night.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I was there live. I agree, an insane fight.

[@g.sergiusfidenas6650]

@@RichtheFightHistorian can't imagine the sort of energy a fight like that generates in the arena, even the ref got caught into it and at the end of the fight congratulated both of them for the show like any regular spectator would. Thanks for the videos Rich, I always learn something new or end recalling a lost memory, this is great work, a plus for the history of the sport.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@g.sergiusfidenas6650 Sure thing, Sergius. I was pretty high up in the arena but it was a great fight.

[@davidbolen8982]

Best boxing history videos. Keep following the rabbit holes!

[@bareknuckles2u]

Yet another terrific video. What a story. Thank you!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks again!

[@dalebecause2467]

Hines should have been disqualified...Hitting after the guy had gone down....

[@setiyoung1611]

Thank you for this one.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, John.

[@veahhh731]

I fought against Donald Bowers the 1978 Golden Gloves in Jackson Tennessee after two hard-fought rounds I refused to come out for round number 3 and Donald Bowers won by technical knockout

[@SolidSantanero]

Boxing is a cruel sport. Thank you for your videos.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Anytime, Solid.

[@bonniedrasco8166]

Another excellent story, thank you for all your hard work

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Bonnie

[@jasoncarskadon6809]

That was extremely interesting, thanks for sharing.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Jason

[@drewoods8810]

Thank you for sharing this story, as sad as it was it wasn’t all bad. Donald was actually a genuine guy and was like an Uncle to me I’ve known him since I was 5. I was a former amateur boxer under Donald Bowers and Rayford Collins. Everything you said was true, but as long as I was there I never saw one exchange going on within the gym. I remember the day he got kicked out of the gym, I think the city knows who took my coaches life but are afraid to say so due to retaliation. He for sure did more good than bad. RIP Coach Don AKA “Jug” RIP Coach Collins.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, DeAndre.

[@victormitchell7434]

Happy New Year Rich the fight historian may your year be blessed.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Victor. Happy New Year to you.

[@brucekielty8180]

Leave it to Rich to find the story behind the story.

[@garrisonthad]

Thanks Rich. Great life stories. Sad.

[@lancelaws6128]

Definitely one of my favourite boxing channels on KZbin 🥊👌🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Lance.

[@samuelmahmud1909]

Sad story...

[@mikepedroza9218]

Hey I’ve been meaning to ask u when u were training in SanJose / Alum Rock gym didn’t u spar David Vedder?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I didn't train at the Alum Rock gym. Tagged along with my trainer when Eric 'The Prince' Martin sparred David Gonzalez.

[@Joe-ry2xq]

Beautiful work as allways rich 👍. How bout one on wendel Bailey

[@markchapman2585]

Two little documentary in 2 day's. Thanks Rich keep up the great work. Cheers from Canada 🍻

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Mark, will do.

[@MrT-ev4dq]

New to me. Tragic. What could of been.

[@gregorybush3224]

Yes, if only he stayed away from the drugs and alcohol.

[@andrewwilliams8413]

Thank's Rich ! best boxing historical channel by faarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks very much, Andrew.

[@boba2172]

Well done shows big fan

[@melvintate8186]

Man I remember him he was a good fighter may God bless him!!

[@steveu7631]

Great fighter j

[@jamaalhankins7215]

Look at Bobby Davis at 1:08🧐

[@connoisseur9069]

Another Great Video Buddy!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Connoisseur

[@mikepedroza9218]

Man yur Chanel is the best Robert Bam Bam Hines vs Mathew Hilton was a great fight I remember him getting off the canvas twice to win the title saying I’m the champion ! But I think that fight took a lot out of him and was never the same

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Mike.

[@christopherbellore3511]

This was a very sad and depressing story; However, it is an eye opening lesson for any of us who care to recognize the importance of Character, Attitude, and a problem which we ALL struggle with: SIN. As the authorities don't know who murdered Donald Bowers, so we don't know precisely what SIN problems got the best of him; but we can discern and surmise. Pride, perhaps GREED (covetousness), LUST (the substitute for TRUE LOVE) rooted in fear. And then bitterness, resentment and vengeance. The list goes on. Whatever caused Donald to LOSE his way, I'm sorry to say that it seems that he didn't find the Answer to life's problems. God. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; and no man comes to the Father, but by Him. I thank God that Jesus NEVER gave up on me, or I may have died the same way Donald did. Boy, was I a MESS. I'm sad to hear that such a talented, well spoken, disciplined, successful boxer lost his way, and his wisdom and understanding, and never recovered. We all must choose between good and evil, between self and God. I choose God, who now takes care of myself. God is FAITHFUL, and His GRACE is sufficient to me. PRAISE the Lord! His MERCY endures FOREVER. We NEED to learn how to FIGHT the GOOD fight of faith; and humble ourselves under the Mighty Hand of God through life's difficulties. R.I.P. Donald Bowers ✝🥊 And THANKS again, Rich, for your extraordinary work.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for sharing, Christopher.

[@skorwolf2719]

U know so many fighters

[@JMTrucking1417]

Bobby chacon died ?! I was just watchin uour vid of him 3 days ago i think !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, he died back in 2016.

[@roncoleman9502]

Thanks Rich another good one except I hate to hear these fighters not be able to do what they have do to keep out of trouble I'm not saying anything bad about this guy I just hate these good fighters that may have made in boxing but chose the wrong path. This dude looked like he could have done pretty good I really hate this. RIP my friend

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Ron. Bowers had the right people behind him but like you said he chose the wrong path.

[@serenityinside1]

Seems to be the COD was suicide. His life having plummeted pretty much to the bottom. Very sad , but we have a choice who we associate with . Can believe he got overlooked at the Kronk .

[@razoredge6130]

You sound like Greg's airplanes and automobiles

[@maddogmcgruder5435]

1st one:)

[@doseloverstar1183]

Before you know it you're grown Wasn't raised much, trying your hand at things that won't facilitate your being. Hard life R.I.P. Another good story Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Dose

[@stevon521]

Wrong!

[@williamdavis1636]

What a great documentary !! I remember Donald bowers. Tragic story. If he had somebody who cared about him and had some loot , Donald bowers wouldve been a ranked contender. At the very least.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, William. Agreed on Bowers.

[@williamdavis1636]

@@RichtheFightHistorian your documentaries are FANTASTIC !! GREAT voice , too 👍