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05/19/2005 Archived Entry: "Final Press Conference - Golota vs. Brewster!"
Final Press Conference - Golota vs. Brewster!
By Rita Figueroa
From left to right: Lamon Brewster, Don King and Golota
The final press conference for the WBO Championship fight took place today on the event floor of the “House that Jordan Built” – the United Center in Chicago.
The most intriguing comments came from Brewster’s manager, Sam Simon. He stated that Brewster would be fighting – but under protest – due to the referee selection for the fight. The Illinois Commission selected Gino Rodriguez – a Chicago referee. Simon stated that the WBO rules clearly state that the referee cannot reside in the same state as either fighter. Golota is a Chicago resident. Simon stated that when the issue was brought to the attention of the Commission – he was told they had two choices. Either fight or don’t. Needless to say – they were not pleased with the response, and have filed a protest.
Prtomoter Don King states that he and Bill Wertz would make sure the issue was rectified prior to fight time.
Others to take to the podium this afternoon included Don King who vowed that we would beat the record set by St. Louis. “We have 12,000 tickets to sell to a remarkable show, in a unique, rare and wonderful city – Chicago – My Kind of Town!”
A representative of the Illinois Commission welcomed Don King to our state and city, thanked the Wertz family for making the event come together, and stated that it would be a wonderful card . He also thanked HBO for coming and said this event is something that we would not want to miss – “it’s going to be a good one!”
Bill Wertz also took to the podium and expressed his feeling on fighters “The condition it takes for these athletes is unbelievable. With the undercard and Championship fight, we’ll be here til 11:00/11:30 – and have the concessions open – don’t forget to turn the lights out when you leave. Doors will be open at 4:00 – I guarantee you’ll have one of the best nights of your life”
It was then time for the fighters and trainers to take to the microphone, and here is what they had to say:
Andrew Golota thanked everyone for coming and supporting him – especially his family. He thanked Mr. Wertz and Don King who put the fight together and made it happen in Chicago. “Chicago is a great town and deserves a champion. I am ready for this fight and this opponent, and on May 21st – the WBO will have a new heavyweight champion. Thank you”
Golota's Trainer, Sam Colonna also thanked Don King for giving Andrew another opportunity. “I told him (Golota) that of we were going to do this – it would have to be my way. We have a chemistry – we understand each other. Andrew has matured. Nothing to take away from Brewster – he’s a hell of a fighter, and Reid – he’s a great trainer – but it’s our time. It’s Chicago’s time. We worked hard. All the Polish people come out and support us – you will see 2 world champions. (Sam also trains Tomasz Adamek who is fighting for the vacant WBC Light Heavyweight Crown).
Lamon Brewster looking very focused made the following comments: “Praise the Lord. This is my calling, this is my destiny. Ring the bell!”
Trainer Jesse Reid then took center stage and wanted to thank Lamon Brewster for having him in his camp. He stated that Lamon is not worred about words – words don’t win fights. “No words out of my mouth are gonna win the fight. He’s like a son to me. There’s a spirit there that’s very, very strong, and I’m just happy that I am able to finish the job that Bill Slayton started. You saw Klitchko go down – you might see the same action before he gets hit. He’s a quiet man – he had to get hit to wake up. He’s woke up now. We’ve covered all the bases. Thank you”
Needless to say, this should make for an interesting evening come Saturday night. If you don’t have your tickets – get them soon, as the under card and main event will be fights worth seeing!
In addition to writing for the Cyber Boxing Zone, Rita Figueroa is an undefeated professional boxer with a record of 3-0-0 and 1 KO fighting for Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Promotions
Photo by Rita Figueroa
