Boxing Villains: Andrew Golota, Low Blows, and Riots
Big Fight Weekend introduces our series on boxing villains — boxers with a shady past. In the first instalment, we look at the ultra-controversial Andrew Golota. Specifically, we review Riddick Bowe fights that ended unspectacularly.
Andrew Golota: Boxing Supervillain?
Andrew Golota and Riddick Bowe are two heavyweight boxers who faced each other twice in the ring, resulting in controversial boxing matches. The first fight, which took place on July 11, 1996, ended in disqualification, while the second fight, held on December 14, 1996, resulted in a no-contest. In this article, we will take a closer look at both fights and the events leading up to them.
Andrew Golota Coming Into the Fight
Andrew Golota, also known as “The Foul Pole,” was born on January 5, 1968, in Warsaw, Poland. He started his professional boxing career in 1992 and quickly gained a reputation for his punching power and aggressive style. Golota won his first 28 fights, 25 of them by knockout, before facing Riddick Bowe. His ferocity was unquestioned by fans and bettors. Many sports books like https://najlepsibukmacherzy.pl/ranking-legalnych-bukmacherow/ from Poland backed him to do well against Bowe.
Riddick Bowe Coming Into the Fight
Riddick Bowe, on the other hand, was born on August 10, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York. He won a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics and turned professional the following year. Bowe quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first 31 fights, 27 of them by knockout, before facing Golota.
The First Low Blow, and RIOT, Delivered
The first fight between Golota and Bowe took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Golota dominated the early rounds, knocking Bowe down in the second and sixth rounds. However, Golota’s repeated low blows led to his disqualification in the seventh round. The decision sparked outrage among fans and the media, with many calling for Golota’s suspension.
The Second Low Blow Delivered
The second fight between Golota and Bowe took place at the Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Golota once again dominated the early rounds, but Bowe made a comeback in the fourth round, knocking Golota down. However, Golota’s repeated low blows once again led to a controversial ending. In the ninth, after being warned multiple times by the referee, Golota landed a low blow that left Bowe writhing in pain on the canvas. The fight was declared a no-contest, and Golota was once again the subject of criticism and controversy.
Controversy and Villainy
The Golota-Bowe fights remain two of the most controversial fights in boxing history. Golota’s repeated low blows, which many believed were intentional, resulted in his disqualification and a no-contest, and tarnished his reputation as a boxer. Bowe, on the other hand, suffered significant damage from the low blows and retired from boxing a few years later.
In conclusion, the fights between Andrew Golota and Riddick Bowe were controversial and unforgettable. Golota’s repeated low blows resulted in a disqualification and a no-contest, while Bowe suffered significant damage and retired from boxing soon after. Despite the controversies surrounding the fights, Golota and Bowe remain two of the most talented heavyweight boxers of their time, and their matches are still remembered by boxing fans around the world.
Michael is the CEO of Last Word On Sports INC and is happy to be involved with Big Fight Weekend. He is credentialed with several international governing bodies. He cites the Hagler-Leonard fight as his introduction to boxing--and what an introduction that was!