November 21, 1999

On Saturday, November 20, at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Michael Grant (31-0, 22KOs) failed to impress in the most stern test of his career. Grant. Who was floored twice in the first round and simply out-classed through out, came from behind to defeat Andrew Golota (34-4, 28KOs) in one of the most bizarre finishes in recent boxing history. Nonetheless, the victory places Grant in line for an opportunity to challenge Lennox Lewis for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Grant-Golota, promoted by Main Events Monitor, was televised live on HBO's "World Championship Boxing."

Grant, who is advertised as the future heavyweight champion, was unimpressive and showed nothing that would urge fight fans to want to pay and see him fight Lewis, who last weekend defeated Evander Holyfield to capture the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship.

However, Grant pulled himself together and came through with the victory. Having been floored twice in the first round and trailing terribly on the judges scorecards, Grant arose to the occasion when a single, straight-right in between Golota's guard buckled his while he was trying to retain his balance.

Grant followed with an accumulation of left and right hooks to Golota's chin that forced the Polish wonder to roll onto the canvas. Golota, who returned to his feet by referee's Randy Neuman count of 10, was asked whether if he wanted to continue.

Golota simply said no, despite the reality that he was easily winning another fight he should have never lost.

In 1996, Golota, well ahead on all three-judges scorecards, was disqualified in each of his two meetings with former World Champion, Riddick Bowe.

What really damaged Golota's reputation as a creditable fighter was when Lewis trashed him within 90-seconds in an October 1997 collision.

Grant seemed to have had the bout under control in the early seconds, as his left-jabs left a cut across Golota's left eye. However, a sharp straight-right to Grant's chin immediately planted the 6' 7," 250-plus, pound-fighter on his behind with heavily muscular his back leaning against the bottom rope.

It was clear, that Grant had completely lost his balance, as his legs were wobbly.

Moments later, actually within the final 10 seconds of the very first round, Golota floored Grant again - this time on all fours - following an accumulation of left and right-hooks inside.

Golota dominated the contest behind straight-rights, as Grant mainly back-peddled against the ropes.

There were a couple of point deductions, the first coming in the third round when Golota attempted to hit Grant with a low-blow within the clinch.

During the opening seconds of the fourth, the point Golota lost was returned when Grant was docked a point for hitting low. Golota continued to dominate by coming forward, stalking Grant against the ropes with powered shots, following left-jabs.

Even in the eighth, Golota was warned for head-butting Grant on his left cheekbone.

Grant, hyped as the "Next Great Heavyweight of the Millennium," showed nothing. Lou Savarese, Ahmad Abdin, Al Cole, and Jorge Luis Gonzalez posed no threat, nor challenge for Grant. Golota was simply running through Grant's well-sculptured size and stature.

Grant is simply not ready for primetime. At least not against Lewis; definitely not Mike Tyson.

As for Golota, he proved that he is a creditable fighter, but still does not understand the nature of the fight game. That's a shame because, his misinterpretation of the rules and guidelines of boxing, as cost him millions of dollars during his career. If Golota did not understand three years ago following his two disqualification finishes against Bowe, what would make members of his camp believe that he ever will.

Tyson beats both Grant and Lewis - easily!