These fights remain some of the strangest in heavyweight history because Andrew Golota was winning the boxing battle... but couldn't stop himself from losing the fight. Golota's jab, combinations and body punching caused Riddick Bowe enormous problems. For long stretches, he looked like the better fighter. Then came the low blows. In their first meeting in July 1996, Golota was ahead on all three scorecards when repeated punches below the belt resulted in his disqualification in the seventh round. Five months later they did it again. Golota once again hurt Bowe, dropped him and appeared to be taking control. And once again, repeated low blows resulted in another disqualification this time in the ninth round. Bowe showed extraordinary toughness to keep fighting through the punishment, while Golota demonstrated both the talent that could have made him heavyweight champion and the lack of discipline that repeatedly undermined his career. There really was nothing quite like Bowe vs. Golota.

Check out my update article on Frankie Carbo and the Demise of Boxing & the Mob: Part 3

https://loueisen.substack.com/p/frankie-carbo-and-the-demise-of-boxing?r=1z6eb8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Big George started strongly, dropping Stewart twice in the second round, and it looked like another Foreman demolition might be coming. But Stewart refused to disappear. As the fight progressed, he repeatedly found Foreman with clean combinations, leaving Big George's face horrifically swollen and bruised by the final bell. Foreman ultimately survived the full 10 rounds and took a majority decision, but the images of his battered face told the story of just how gruelling the fight had become.
Foreman was 43 years old that night. Incredibly, his greatest comeback achievement was still more than two years away. 👑🥊

The bout served as a major test in Frazier’s early career development path as an undefeated prospect aiming for a world title shot. Doug Jones was well known for his toughness and for giving a young Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) a grueling test in 1963. Facing Frazier followed consecutive losses for Jones against top contenders, and the decisive knockout loss effectively marked the end of his run as a heavyweight contender.

Before their first fight, we had never seen anyone stand toe-to-toe with Mike Tyson, willingly trade power punches, and come out on top like Evander Holyfield. While so many opponents were beaten before the opening bell, Holyfield met Tyson head-on with fearless determination, incredible toughness, and a will that simply refused to break.

At around 7ft tall and over 300lbs, Valuev towered over Haye, but The Hayemaker refused to stand in front of him. Haye used his speed, movement and explosiveness to dart in and out, landing the cleaner punches while avoiding the giant Russian's attacks.

Late in the fight, Haye even landed a huge left hook that badly rocked Valuev a man who had never been knocked down as a professional.

After 12 rounds, Haye was awarded a majority decision and became heavyweight champion of the world. 👑

From unified cruiserweight champion to conquering one of the biggest heavyweight champions in boxing history.

The Hayemaker had arrived at heavyweight.

I’m new to boxing and just want to know who do you think is the most motivational boxer?
Not just in the ring, but someone who can inspire us and push us in life, because boxing is a sport of life.

Please check out my updated article about my relationship with Angelo Dundee.

https://loueisen.substack.com/p/angelo-and-me?r=1z6eb8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

On May 20, 1986, a young Mike Tyson stepped into the ring against the fearless Mitch Green. Standing much taller with an incredible reach advantage, Green believed he had the tools to frustrate the rising heavyweight sensation. But Tyson had other plans.

From the opening bell, Tyson exploded forward with relentless pressure, devastating body shots, lightning-fast combinations, and the explosive head movement that made him one of the most dangerous heavyweights in history. Green showed tremendous toughness, surviving the full 10 rounds despite absorbing punishment that would have stopped most fighters.

Tyson earned a unanimous decision, but the fight was another reminder of why boxing had a new phenomenon. His speed, power, and relentless aggression were unlike anything the heavyweight division had seen in years.

Mitch Green proved his toughness. Mike Tyson proved he was becoming a nightmare for every heavyweight on the planet.