Andrew Golota vs Bonecrusher Smith

Never super comfortable picking Golota, but I do like him in this matchup. Golota had the better jab, and was the better boxer. I think Bonecrusher actually had better wins on his record, but Golota has the style to get it done here. Golota should be able to control the fight from the outside, and win a somewhat hard-earned UD.

This would be the Golota from around the P'ouha fight, up through the Bowe fights. Took a lot more to get that version of Golota to quit.

 

Do you think Bonecrusher could come out fast like he did vs Weaver, Witherspoon, and maybe blow away Golota early ? Golota could be caught cold and was stopped a few times early.

But if Bonecrusher doesn't get rid of him early hes in trouble as Golota is the much more skillful fighter.

 

That did cross my mind. That became the gameplan for Golota opponents later in his career, to come out and try to blast him early, and stop him or make him quit. Brewster & Austin succeeded by doing that. Tyson & Lewis got him early. McBride tried it also and was having some success, but it didn't work out for him in the end.

Bonecrusher's best chance would be to do exactly that, and he's shown to be capable of it. I do believe, however, that there was a time when Golota might have had the confidence, maybe a good enough chin, and just enough mental toughness to weather it. I'd pick that version of Golota, but it's not my most confident pick. I wouldn't bet a dime on Golota, who's produced some of the biggest choke jobs I've ever seen in boxing.

 

Bonecrusher is a bad matchup for Golota.

 

definitely Smith. Unfortunately, my compatriot, despite his skills and abilities, always found a way to lose. It could have been too tough a Smith, it could have been a too strong Smith. Andrzej could win the fight, but sooner or later he would get caught because he couldn't finish and the mistakes stuck with him. Smith by ko. Bonecrusher hit harder than Tyson and Bowe.

 

I think Golata was generally the slightly better of the two fighters and If it came down to pure fundamentals “ should “ win. But I can also see a similar scenario like the Smith vs Bruno fight where James is behind on points and batters Andrew late forcing him to quit.

 

I was just about to type something similar! Golota has better fundamentals and should win on paper, but he could end up like Bruno. Golota froze when nailed hard and his upright European style doesn't mix well with Smith's crude brawling.

I think Golota is up 4 rounds to 2, then gets caught with something big and finds a way to quit. Maybe spits out his mouth piece or elbows Smith on purpose and ignores the warnings before the ref ends the contest.

 

I've got Bonecrusher. Never thought much of Golota. I think he is way overrated.

 

IF Andrew Golota does get frustrated enough to quit or foul out He would beat Bonecrusher Smith, but that is a big IF! Bonecrusher could be frustrating at times.

 

That could happen

 

Great match. Same size and strength. Bonecrusher had more heart, better chin, more power. Golota had more skill and speed. You can make a great case for either. I think Golota wins the first eight rounds, becomes demoralized, then gets knocked out.
But I could change my mind tomorrow.

 

Golota, but past-Bowe it becomes a toss coin whether he keeps his composure until the end.

 

Smith had the better wins despite being less talented. Golotas weaknesses also play into Smiths strengths. Bonecrusher by KO.

 

This is highly debatable.

Also, a near-prime Bonecrusher failed to get rid of Marvis Frazier and Adilson Rodrigues, and actually dropped decisions to both, and those weren't the greatest chins in Heavyweight history.

Pretty sure Golota at his best could do the same, although I do understand the arguments for Smith.