Golota was a virtual unknown from Poland who emigrated to the United States in 1991. He had had an extensive and impressive amateur career overseas and was a good technical boxer albeit very basic and not too creative. Good jab, good footwork, good right hand. Sturdy chin and excellent size. He became notorious for his two fights with Riddick Bowe that year. The first one was dominated by Golota until he got disqualified for repeated low blows. Ironically, Bowe started out fighting dirty by hitting Golota with several rabbit punches without being penalized or even warned from my recollections. The second fight was a true pier six brawl and Golota again shockingly fouled out in the 9th round due to repeated low blows. Quarry, had retired in 1972 after being thrashed by Muhammad Ali in june of that year. After some soul searching, the hugely popular irish-american decided to come back as he was just 27 years old at the time. He had his sights set on champion George Foreman whose style many felt gave Quarry a better chance at victory then the styles of Ali and Frazier. Quarry had an impressive year in 1973 as he uphended the unbeaten Ron Lyle by convicing 12-round decision in feburary, had a fight with Oscar Bonavena cancelled that summer, beat Randy Neumann in 7. Then another big win at the end of the year against the murderous punching Earnie Shavers by first round kayo in December. Quarry 6ft 1/2" 200lbs Golota 6-4" 240lbs. Would Quarry be too small to deal with the hulking Golota? Would Golota be able to hurt the anvil chinned Quarry and avoid his sharp counters?
Jerry had heart Golota never possessed. Size and power never posed any great obstacle to Quarry, as Foreman, Lyle and Mac Foster could attest. Jerry would have handled him much as he handled Lyle.
Golota has shown a lot of heart. He's just also shown himself to be extremely mentally unstable. Golota fought his heart out against Bowe, no matter what batcrap crazy thing he did at the end. Then there's the injuries that were very legit, the pharmaceutical problem and the psychological breakdowns. But he had heart when he was at his best. I've always pitied the guy a bit. I also think at his best he'd beat Quarry, probably stop him on cuts. But he doesn't rank higher in my book because potential aside, Quarry beat better men and was mentally superior for the obvious reasons.
Quarry had no problem with the bigger slower guys of his era...He dominated Lyle,Mac Foster, Buster Mathis,Joe Alexander,Thad Spencer,Larry Middleton,Jack Bodell,and Thick shouldered Earnie Shavers...Quarry was very good, had a solid chin, good power and heart but he was very good not great. Golota had great skills, size but mental issues and Jerry would upset his peace
I think Quarry had to really labor to defeat Middleton from what I read about the fight. Middleton was a tall guy (6'4") with a long reach although he was not known as a big puncher. Quarry started going to the body late in the fight and turned the tables to get a very close decision. I think it was unanimous but very close in rounds.
I don't think Golota is basic, I think he was very fluid for a large white fighter. That said, Quarry is good at extended box-brawls, and I think Golota may get frustrated. I think Quarry's chin is good enough to stay in there with the heavy Polak.
Golota could be psyched-out depending on the foe. He had a terrific set of skills when mentally focused and conditioned. Lousy finisher.
I'd give the nod to Golota. Quarry bled like no other boxer I've seen. He cut so easy it was sad. I don't see him taking Golota our early so he would probably have serious cuts on his face by round 3 or so.
Right you are...the one thing Quarry had a size advantage over Golata was balls..and a better chin..Quarry outpoints or even tko's Golota late. Quarry would beat him like he did Buster Mathis and Ron Lyle.
Even though Jerry would be at a drastic weight disadvantage,I take him to win this by a massive points verdict. Providing Golota kept his punches away from Quarry's testicles.
Golota wins pre Riddick Bowe, Golota's much larger, faster and fierce than Quary, I'll take nothing away from Jerry, he's a bad little man but he always fell short from all his greats where Golota's loses with John Ruiz and the ass pounding he gave to bowe before going nuts and him going heads up with a spiraling down hill mike tyson makes you wonder.
