18.04.05 – By Mike Indri, Retired Boxers Foundation: Andrew Golota’s journey through his boxing career-while commendable, has never been viewed as successful. Beginning to box at the age of 13 in Poland, Golota amassed 111 victories as a Polish amateur champion, culminating with his winning a bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics.
Emigrating from Warsaw in 1991, Golota has called the city of Chicago his home ever since. Turning professional in 1992 (Feb. 7th third round knockout victory over Roosevelt Schuler), Golota abandoned prior ambitions of becoming a truck driver and made the commitment to boxing. Plagued with the less than complimentary descriptions, such as: underachiever, “foul-pole”, and quitter; mention of Golota in boxing circles is synonymous with a single thought – failure..
Come May 21st at the United Center in Chicago this can all change. Andrew Golota, with a win over current World Boxing Organization title holder Lamon Brewster, can be called “World Heavyweight Champion”!
Forget the biting of opponents, the disqualifications, the three prior blown title opportunities, and the quitting in the ring (on more than one occasion); a victory over the difficult Brewster (31-2 with 27 KO’s) brings redemption.
“If there is any justice in this world, I will win the world title at home on May 21”, stated the pride of all Polish boxing fans, who added “After fighting Chris Byrd I should have been IBF Champion, after the John Ruiz fight I should’ve been IBF and WBA Champ!”
* Golota lost both fights via controversial decisions.
Speaking at the United Center’s press conference, hosted by legendary promoter Don King, Golota (38-5-1, 31 KO’s) appeared confident and ready.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support for all of these years, especially my family and the Polish people – my Polish fans”, stated the 37-year-old Golota. “This is the last chance, but this time I can’t leave it in the judge’s hands. I will knock Lamon Brewster out!”
Golota’s long-time trainer Sam Colonna is just as confident, “Andrew is in great shape and is training very hard.” Colonna emphatically added, “Come May 21 you will see a new heavyweight champion of the world – Andrew Golota!”
Narrowly missing his two chances in 2004 to wrap a world title belt around his waist, Golota’s mission this third consecutive time out will not be an easy one.
The 31-year-old Brewster’s road to glory has been filled with many hardships and obstacles along the way. The Indiana native, who now calls Los Angeles home, showed his true heart during his title fight against then-champion Wladimir Klitschko. After absorbing a great deal of punishment and coming off the deck in round four, Lamon displayed unequaled amounts of fortitude in knocking out Klitschko the next round and taking his WBO belt.
“I’m going to give 100% on fight night and if they take me out on a stretcher, I will still have that belt around my waist” stated the humble champion, adding “Golota has overcome a lot of demons in his life to get back in the ring – but he will not be able to overcome me.”
This Don King promoted fight card, expected to draw a live gate of over 22,000 fans, will be shown live on HBO.
Tickets for the May 21 – Andrew Golota vs. Lamon Brewster WBO Heavyweight Championship – priced from $500.00 to $35.00 are on sale now at the United Center box office, www.ticketmaster.com and at all ticket master outlets, call (312) 559-1212 for more information.
Photos by: Rich Schneidenbach/ RBF