04.10.07 – By Scoop Malinowski: World-renowned heavyweight boxer Andrew Golota was right on time at 11:30 for the final press conference for his Saturday night showdown with Kevin McBride. Golota enjoyed the conference, doing many interviews, embracing with his old friend and spar-mate Jameel McCline who seemed very happy to see the “Andrzej” as he calls Andrew. The two sparred together a decade ago and became friendly during the Ruiz-Golota event three years ago.
During the long-winded speeches Golota sat next to DaVarryl Williamson of Colorado. Golota, a serious skier, was surprised to learn the Denver resident named “Touch of Sleep” had never tried skiing..
Pleasantries aside, now it was on to business. McBride had some bold words: “Andrew Golota is a big name. He’s gonna get me back in the picture after I retire Andrew Golota the way I did Mike Tyson.”
Then it was Andrew’s turn: “He said he’s gonna retire me [smiles]. I don’t want to break his honeymoon but he’s gonna get his ass beat [laughter]. So (looking directly at McBride), see you on Saturday.”
Golota’s trainer Sam Colonna captivated the attentive audience: “When Andrew came back again to me, I said, Andrew, why are you doing this? Are you broke? Why are you doing it? He goes to me, I want to become champion. So he’s gonna become champion. That’s what he wants, that’s what his goal is. We thank Don King for giving him this opportunity. And this is just one step away for Andrew becoming champion. In the future, Andrew will become a champion. Whatever it takes, he’ll do it. That’s what he wants and that’s what he’s determined to do. He’s never trained so hard. He’s determined. And that’s what he wants. So come Saturday night you’re gonna see Andrew another step from becoming the champion.”
After the conference it was back to the hotel for lunch (Andrew had sea bass at the Affinia Hotel), then after over an hour sit in midtown Manhattan traffic, Andrew arrived at Richard’s Barber Shop in Union City, N.J. for a haircut. Then it was over to Ziggy Rozalski’s gym in Jersey City for a 90-minute workout which included stretching, shadowboxing, hitting the mitts, jumping rope, and finally some more stretching.
Andrew looks in superb condition (about 239), and perhaps identical to the skill and speed levels shown in the Ruiz and Byrd fights. One slight difference appears in his legs and calves which are noticeably thicker, due to the abundance of cycling Andrew has done this year, including a 60 mile jaunt two weeks ago in Chicago.
More info from Golota…
Age started boxing: 13.
First boxing memory: The first time I was 13 I was in training, boxing like two or three weeks. And I was sparring with a guy who was much older than me, 18, at that time, you know the difference. I was 13 and the guy was bigger than me, because usually I used to be the one who was bigger, you know? But that guy was much bigger than me, stronger, mature, five years older. But I beat the shit out of him, like nothing. I’m telling you. My coach told me just go to the right and hit him with the right. Go right and hit him with the right. I was killing him.
Inspiration: Before, I mean, always it’s the pro fighters, in pro boxing. Especially George Foreman always. Big, strong guy, he came back, he won the championship.
Favorite all-time fighter: George Foreman.
Best fight seen: There’s quite a few of them [laughs]. Quite a few. The fight that inspired me, back in ’87, I saw Hagler with Leonard.
Pre-fight meal: Just pasta.
What do you do to relax: Try to sleep. But now, not much. Not much.
Toughest part of being a boxer: Pressure. Pressure from you guys. You watching every step. Every step you take, media watching.
Favorite music: I like anything, except jazz [smiles]. Alicia Keys, 50 Cent, Kanye West, everybody.
Last book read: Well, honestly, I read George Foreman (“By George”). It was like a month ago.
Toughest man you faced: Myself. Probably. (Why?) It’s a problem that they say, That’s why they win – because of me. I lost some fights because of me, myself.
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