Riddick Bowe faced many obstacles on his way to becoming professional boxing's heavyweight champion of the world. He overcame a childhood of poverty and an up-and-down amateur career to reach the very top of his sport. In a tremendous three-fight series, Bowe defeated Evander Holyfield two times and earned the respect of boxing experts. Then, in a remarkable reversal, he survived two fights with Andrew Golata only because his opponent could not resist hitting him below the belt.

Bowe proved that a heavyweight champion could also be a good person. He is a committed family man who does not drink, believes in higher education, and invests his money wisely. "By boxing standards, Bowe has done great things," said Wallace Matthews of Newsday. "But what Bowe has in mind goes beyond boxing, into the realm of being a true role model, not only symbolically but backed up with real...