Andrew Golota vs Bonecrusher Smith

Golota wasn’t a mover. Bonecrusher cracked Tyson, Weaver, Bruno, Spoon, and Ruddock, win or lose (never watched the Holmes fight). Golota would eat something big.

 

I thought Golota had pretty good mobility for a guy his size actually. He was no Ali of course, but he was certainly capable of using the ring and boxing when he needed to.

I'd also point out that Frazier was in front of Bonecrusher an awful lot in that fight. It's not like he was dancing around for long stretches and outboxing Smith. There was a lot of give and take in that fight.

Bonecrusher got a late start to the sport. I think he started his amateur career at around 23 years old, and turned pro at 28. Even though Smith had a pretty good career, I think the late start often showed in Smith. He wasn't the most fluid fighter, and the skill gap often showed against top level guys. I believe the skill gap between Golota and Smith would be obvious.

Having said that, I'd have to agree that Smith has a solid puncher's chance, but I still say Golota's pedigree in the sport sees him through this, although this is a fight I wouldn't be willing to bet on.

 

I don't know what was up in the Rodriguez fight. I never watched it, but one judge had Bonecrusher winning by nine points in Brazil.

Frazier did get dropped though. My point is basically that Binecrusher usually landed something big. Golota's not the kind of guy to just shrug it off.

 

I never saw Smith-Rodrigues either. I noticed the same in the scoring in that one. One judge: 9-0-1 for Smith, and the others for Rodrigues. Very strange.

FWIW, I thought Smith edged out Frazier, especially with the knockdown.