November 3, 1999

One of the most recognizable heavyweights of the next generation will return to the squared-circle in another high-profile battle. On Saturday, November 20, Andrew Golota (34-3, 28KOs) returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center to meet young heavyweight champion hopeful, Michael Grant (30-0, 21KOs). If Golota wins, a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship is right around the corner. Another loss for the "foul-Pole" could cost him is credibility as a "heavy-handed" threat.

Grant-Golota, promoted by Main Events Monitor, will be televised live on HBO's "World Championship Boxing" and will be televised, as apart of the delayed telecast to Holyfield-Lewis II: The Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship.

Golota began his professional career in 1992. However, Golota did not gain much of a following until his March 1996 performance against Darrol Nicholson. Golota, whose head-butting tactics forced Nicholson (TKO 8) to quit on his stool, gained mass popularity when he took out one of the world's most reconizable fighters.

In 1996, Golota shocked the boxing world when he was disqualified twice in as many fights for "hitting, below-the-belt," when he fought Riddick Bowe (L DQ 7, LDQ 9).

Golota's one-sided domination against Bowe in their first meeting in July 1996, caused such a fiasco, an inflamed riot broke-out at the famed Madison Square Garden. During a December '96 rematch, Golota, ahead on all three judges' scorecards, was disqualified again for "hitting low."

Golota, who was next scheduled to meet Ray Mercer, was so popular among hard-core fans, his very next bout in October 1997, was televised on Pay-Per-View. Only this time, Golota challenged Lewis for teh WBC heavyweight championship.

To everyone's amazement at ringside, Lewis kayoed Golota with a series of two-handed, powered shots within one round.

Since then, Golota has won his last several contests - including two decisions against Jessie Ferguson (W 10) and Corey Sanders (W 10).

Golota has also been named as a future Tyson opponent.

First, Golota has to prove once again he still has what it takes to beat a top-heavyweight contender. Grant, at age 27, is undefeated in 30 fights, 21KOs. Grant, who stands at a tall 6' 7," has not performed to the fullest his ability could allow. Grant has only had one stern test, which came in May 1998 against Obed Sullivan (TKO 9), a young-version of Mercer.

In his previous outing in June, Grant was uninspiring, unimpressive, and dreadful during his 10-round performance against Lou Savarese.

Golota needs an impressive victory over Grant, which will erase the vivid memories of those two easy victories he surrendered to Bowe. As well as, his shocking one-round blitz at the hands of Lewis.

At 31, Golota's time for redemption will come on the night of November 20.