03.06.05 – By Jim Amato: UNBELIEVEABLE…That is all I can say. Rumor is that Don King has not given up on Andrew Golota even in the wake of his dismal showing against Lamon Brewster. Somehow, after being blasted out in less then a round by Brewster in an attempt to win the lightly regarded WBO belt, Andrew has put himself in line for a shot at the WBA version of the heavyweight title. Say what?
Golota may be matched with 7’0″ Nikolai Valuev, and the winner will likely secure a shot against newly re-instated WBA titleholder John Ruiz. Go figure. Today’s heavyweight division is becoming a JOKE, plain and simple, in my opinion. Since Lennox Lewis retired the division has been in a total state of chaos and an end does not appear to be in sight.
Most people regard WBC champion Vitali Klitschko to be the best of the lot. The IBF recognizes Chris Byrd, who holds a win over Vitali but has lost to Vitali’s little brother, Wladimir. Byrd drew with Golota and Wladimir got clocked by the present WBO champion Lamon Brewster.. Well, then Golota lost a debateable decision to WBA titleholder John Ruiz. This is the same Ruiz who lost his title once to Roy Jones Jr. Then he got his backside whipped by James Toney, however, Toney alledgedly tested positive for steroids and Ruiz was handed back his belt, even though Toney clearly beat Ruiz. I understand that rules are rules and Toney left himself open to being stripped. Nevertheless, after losing to Jones Jr. and Toney, plus a questionable decision win over Golota, how can anyone take the Ruiz claim to the title seriously?
Now, Vitali will meet the winner of Hassim Rahman-Monte Barrett. Rahman already has a loss on his record to John Ruiz. Chris Byrd is scheduled to meet Sergei Liakhovich. Ruiz may have to meet the winner of Golota-Valuev.
Wait…It gets worse. Brewster, who is fresh off his stunning one round slaughter of Golota, may now have to meet Luan Krasniqi, who recently took out Lance Whitaker.
I feel that I may be speaking for a lot of fans when I ask, “Who’s Da Champ?”