By Malcolm Markowski: One of the world’s most popular heavyweights Andrew Golota arrived in New York late Monday night. He participated in the media workout at the Madison Square Garden mall at 11 a.m. before heading off for a media press conference at Kredens Polish restaurant in the Ridgewood section of Queens (66-36 Fresh Pond Road) at 1:30, the food of which Andrew called “the best Polish food I’ve ever had.” Golota was swarmed as usual by the Polish media and many of the workers and onlookers who all got photos taken with the former Olympic bronze medalist..
Here is the quick interview we did with four-time heavyweight title challenger Andrew Golota who will take on Kevin McBride on Saturday night:
Q: Are disappointed you didn’t get a shot at Peter for the WBC Interim title? Or were you concentrating all along on McBride?
Golota: I was getting ready for Kevin McBride. And then the thing was they gave me an idea of Samuel Peter because the guy (Maskaev) pull out. So I said, Why not? Same strength, heavyweight strength, same strength but different size but same strength. So don’t get me wrong, they’re not comparable [laughs] but they are same strength, you know. So I was getting ready for a fight anyway. Why not fight for the championship? So maybe it’s too early for this year. I had only one win this year. So maybe not a tough fight would be great.
Q: So you are looking at McBride as a stepping-stone?
Golota: It’s like a two-point – stepping forward or say goodbye. If you pass this, you okay. If you don’t then forget about it. Like a checking point, you know?
Q: Does McBride worry you at all?
Golota: Strong, strong guy. Kind of awkward and strong. Very strong. Punch-wise – maybe the same as Peter. But Peter’s much, much better.
Q: Have you see much of McBride before?
Golota: I’ve seen three fights. One back in Ireland, then the Tyson one, then this one.
Q: What’s going to be the key to winning this fight?
Golota: Win. That’s what it is. I have to be aware defensively, aware of his punches.