In a closely contested match, Holyfield would win by majority decision, becoming the new heavyweight champion and handing Bowe his first (and would what turn out to be his only) loss as a professional.

After nine months of inactivity, Bowe made his return on August 13, 1994, to face fringe contender Buster Mathis, Jr. in his first comeback fight.

As the punch was illegal and Mathis could not continue, Bowe faced the possibility of being charged with a disqualification loss, but both referee Arthur Mercante Sr. and the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board decided to rule the bout a no-contest.

[3] Donald was only in his second year as a pro, but had won all 16 of his fights, including victories over fellow undefeated prospect Jeremy Williams and former heavyweight title challenger Bert Cooper.

In contrast, Bowe was only ranked by two of the three organizations (#5 by the IBF and #8 by the WBA) and despite being only two years removed from capturing their heavyweight championship, was completely unranked by the WBC.

He would then have two more fights in 1995, first obtaining a knockout victory over former amateur rival Jorge Luis González in what would prove to be his only defense of the WBO title, and then knocking out Evander Holyfield in their anticipated rubbermatch.