Bowe Vs. Dokes: A Flab-Ulous Weigh-In

NEW YORK - Riddick Bowe could not tell a lie, not after the scales put him at 243 pounds yesterday, only four quarter-pounders lighter than his flabby challenger, Michael Dokes, in what now will be the second-heaviest heavyweight championship in history.

"I wanted to come in a little lighter," acknowledged Bowe, 25, who weighed 235 when he won the title from Evander Holyfield 84 days ago. "I have felt better and I have been in better shape.

"But I'm in good enough shape for Michael Dokes."

Even after taking off his derby hat and dark shades, Dokes, the 34-year-old challenger, was still 28 pounds past his weight of 10 years ago, when he won the World Boxing Association title.

The 487 combined pounds for tomorrow night's bout at Madison Square Garden was only 1 3/4 pounds shy of the record set in 1933, when Primo Carnera (259 1/2) beat Paolino Uzcudun.

Is Bowe too heavy? "Not a big deal," said trainer Eddie Futch.

Randy Gordon, chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, pronounced both "fit to fight."

"Yeah, but not each other," said George Kimball of the Boston Herald.

Bowe, a prohibitive favorite at 12-1, said he was quick enough to take Dokes out between rounds five and seven.

"I'm going in there like he was the baddest guy in the world," said the champion.