Andrew Golota - career recap (video)

I loved this Polish fighter! Andrew Golota is my childhood hero, favorite fighter of all-time, and the reason I got into boxing. A world title does not hold the same value as it did before the alphabet soups. Let's not forget that Golota has some worthwhile accomplishments, including an Olympic Medal (arguably the biggest achievement in boxing), and a larger-than-life national hero status in Poland. Golota was Poland's first star in professional boxing who put the nation on the map. Andrew's impact on boxing globally — specifically on millions of fans in Poland — is well documented as the Polish heavyweight is the link between the former Soviet Bloc countries and boxing success in the U.S. He earned millions in his finest hour (the number one goal of every elite boxer) inspiring fans to dream big. The scale of Golota's achievement, including its impact on the growth of professional boxing in Poland, will be appreciated only from a historical perspective, not until 20-30 years from today. This was the first Polish fighter I ever saw step into the professional boxing ring on TV and be equal in presence to such legends as Lewis, Bowe, Tyson, and Holyfield (the latter being the only fighter Andrew never shared the ring with). Andrew's reputation quickly spread worldwide. For me, if Golota had become a heavyweight world champion, I would have promptly named my own son in the Pole's honor. I loved the Pole!