Ring Observer Boxing by Scoop Malinowski
This week Mike Tyson said he’s open to “being persuaded” to do another exhibition boxing match similar to the bout he contested with Roy Jones Jr. on November 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA. That clash of ring titans went the distance and was ruled a draw.
Former four-time world heavyweight title challenger and 1988 Olympic bronze medalist Andrew Golota says he is ready to rumble again with Tyson, to renew their rivalry. Golota and Tyson fought in Detroit, Michigan in 2000 in a controversial slugfest thriller. The two infamous contenders engaged in a furious first round which was highlighted by a Tyson right cross which floored the Polish powerhouse and inflicted a cut over his left eye. Golota was less aggressive in round two and then surprisingly declined to continue the fight after round two.
Golota later said he was bothered by the cut and the referee’s pre-fight badgering him in the dressing room about the rules while completely ignoring Tyson’s fouling and an alleged first round headbutt infraction.
In another twist after the fight, Tyson tested positive for marijuana and so the technical knockout win was changed to “no contest.”
Golota did not compete for three years after the Tyson fight, due to injuries suffered in the fight (concussion, fractured left cheekbone and herniated disc). Golota, who previously lost to Lennox Lewis in a world title fight, later challenged for heavyweight titles three times after the Tyson bout- against Chris Byrd (draw), John Ruiz (decision loss), and Lamon Brewster (KO loss). Tyson unsuccessfully challenged Lennox Lewis for the world title in 2002.
“I would like to fight Mike Tyson again, we have unfinished business,” said Golota. Upon learning Tyson has developed an interest in the sport of tennis, Golota, also an avid tennis fan and player, says he believes he can beat Tyson in the ring on the tennis court too.
Tyson has become a hugely popular cultural icon since retiring from boxing after losing his last two fights to Danny Williams in 2004 and Kevin McBride in 2005. The youngest man to win the world heavyweight title (at age 20 in 1986 by KO 2 vs Trevor Berbick) hosts a popular podcast Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson and is involved in numerous other successful business and entertainment ventures.
The idea of a Tyson vs Golota rematch exhibition in 2023 is intriguing to say the least.
