***The Official Golota Express! Bowe-Golota II - 19 years ago today***

Yes I did, But Liakhovich didn't try virtually anything to bring home the belt. He was really disappointing to me, just as it was Peter last saturday. I admit Valuev has improved a lot,though, and I didn't mean it would be an easy affair, I just meant that it's not an impossible fight, certainly easier than fighting a Klitschko (read Vitali...).

 

Golota Valuev would be great to see.

But I think Austin will be a hard fight, first. Even though Wlad ate him alive, Austin is a big guy with decent skills. He's certainly no pushover.

 

Golota doesn't have the tools like he used to but he's still strong with natural ability, and he's a pressure fighter with heavy hands.

 

All things you said were correct except that Valuev does not have more power than either McBride or Mollo. No way. The guy is practically feather fisted for his weight and height. And that is the key in this case! When you cannot knock out Golota with brute force or are too slow to swarm him with volume power punches, you will get the fight of your life and will most likely lose. When was the last time, Golota (legitimatly) lost on points?

Another key element is that Valuev's lack of speed neutralizes or cancels out Golota's own speed defecits, that are all too apparent these days. Valuev is not a dumb fighter, but out of all the current champs, he is the best fit for Andrew. This fight needs to happen at whatever cost.

 

agree :good

 

Outstanding analysis Izo! Valuev is indeed Golota's best shot at winning the belt. Either Klitschko would waste this version of Golota (although I still believe he'd have a punchers chance against Wlad) but Golota has a solid shot against this feather fisted giant!

 

Yup it's true that it often seems Valuev doesn't have much power but that is definitely not the case. He has lots of power (with that mass it would be hard not to) but is often very shy of using it. Sometimes in the late rounds (I don't remember in which fights exactly) when he finally starts unloading the power shots it's all over. And Andrew is a pretty stationary target nowadays. Valuev is not so slow, his jab is pretty decent lately, he's really a mean mother****er. Every time I see his fight I think to myself "Damn it would be so hard to beat him."

Anyway, on a lighter note, there was another interview with Golota in the Polish press. Here are some excerpts: http://sport.onet.pl/0,1248744,1844138,wiadomosc.html

Andrew says he's feeling 20 years younger, that he's finally relaxed and doesn't feel the pressure anymore and that right now he's focusing only on Austin. Exactly what he should be saying. Hell, maybe he'll pull it off. :good

 

Exactly! He better focuses 100% on Austin right now, not doing that would be a great error and probably the end of Golota as a boxer! Every talk and thought about a possible fight against Valuev should stay far from him, at least until mid November, now let's concentrate on Austin and China!
:happy :happy :happy

 

knowing Andrew's mentality, he will loose now vs. Austin , heaving the shot it the perspective.

 

McBride's punches against Golota were HUGE. Mollo on the other hand generates his power from his speed.

 

I'll reserve my judgement on how Golota will do against Valuev until after I see the Austin fight.

If he goes straight to Valuev, he can pull it off but it'll be tough. I'm not sure what his chances of being awarded a decision in Germany. He'll have to look dominant to get one.

 

Valuev isn't German and the judges won't be either. It shouldn't be an issue. But I think Golota will have to "dominate" to take the strap.

 

Valuev isn't german, but his promoter (Sauerland) is, and is very influent too, believe me, I've seen too many shameful verdicts there...

 

I believe the Valuev fight (if it happens) will be in the US. MSG to be exact.

 

If it is at MSG, that would be a bit of an advantage to Golota. He likes fighting there & will be as comfortable as is possible for him. I still don't see anyone really hurting the giant, his skull is simply too thick. But AG could out point him.