Michael Grant vs Andrew Golota - Highlights (Grant KNOCKS OUT Golota)

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November 20th, 1999. Undefeated “Big” Michael Grant takes on “The Powerful Pole” Andrew Golota in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator, with his NABF Heavyweight Title also on the line in his first defense.

The winner of this fight will earned the opportunity to face Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis who held the WBC Heavyweight Title at that time (among other titles). 2 years earlier, Golota faced Lewis in a WBC world title fight and was easily knocked out in the opening round.

Prefight records; Grant 30(21)-0, Golota 34(28)-3.

Entering the bout, Golota’s most notable bouts were DQ losses to Riddick Bowe back in July and December 1996 where he was beating Bowe to the punch in almost every round but somehow unable to stop himself from fouling especially throwing low blows despite multiple warnings from referees in both meetings.

Although he officially lost those 2 fights, but he somehow proved that he was indeed a threat at top level particularly with the showcase of his skills, power and precision despite his notorious tendency to resort to dirty fighting.

Once a heavily hyped prospect, 27 year old Micheal Grant standing at 6’7” with an 86” wingspan amassed an impressive 30 win streak from his debut in July 1994 till his 30th fight in June 1996 where he picked up wins over notable oppositions in Lionel Butler, David Izon & Lou Savarese.

On the other hand, the 31 year old Golota from Warsaw had defeated the likes of Danell Nicholson & Tim Witherspoon (albeit a past best version).

From the opening bell, both fighters set their jabs up early and exchanged right hands but Golota was in better control and scored 2 knockdowns that badly hurt the undefeated young challenger who courageously rose to his feet although clearly shaken and bleeding in his mouth from the pinpoint assaults of the powerful Pole.

Andrew resumed control in the following round and landed more right hands but he was warned for holding and hitting behind the head and lost a point in the 3rd for low blows but Grant also connected with some shots below the belt line and received a warning too.

In the 4th, Grant was penalized one point for low blows and he also lost that round.

After 12 minutes, Golota was leading in the scorecards as he won rounds 1 and 4 by 3 and 2 points respectively due to his sharp jabs that allowed him to dictate the tempo and create openings for his strong right hand. Harold Lederman had the defending champion 6 points behind after the 1/3th mark.

Grant managed to get a second wind and come back to win the 5th and 6th as he connected with big right hands after reestablishing his jabs and shaken off the cobwebs from the Polish fighter’s early thunder.
Between the 7th and 9th rounds, the pace slowed down as both showed signs of fatigue but punches were traded more evenly but Golota was still more effective and ahead in the cards. However, Grant was gradually gaining momentum as the fight progressed into the championship rounds, despite having absorbed tremendous punishment.

Golota told the referee Randy Neumann he did not want to continue after rising from a knockdown in the tenth round.

By the time of the stoppage, the 3 judges had Andrew ahead 87-80, 86-81 & 85-83 while Lederman unofficially had it 86-81 for Golota.

With this win, Grant earned the right to face reigning Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis who held the WBC title at that time. The fight took place on April 29th 2000, where he was decked 4 times en route to a one sided KO2 loss despite a courageous effort.

After the devastating defeat, he was still determined to become world champion and made several comebacks. However, he was never again the same fighter due to the punishment he took against a prime Lewis, who is arguably the Greatest British Heavyweight in the history of the sport.

Hope you guys enjoy this highlight of a good albeit foul filled Heavyweight fight from the late 90s, and remember to SUBSCRIBE for continuous boxing goodness! Keep punching.