Alex Zolkin vs Andrew Golota
Posted: 17 Sep 2023, 09:34
Let's assume it's the mid-1990s, and each guy fights his best. Ten or 12 rounds.
Believe it or not, I actually lean towards Zolkin. My judgment is mostly a matter of faith, as I realize that Golota would have rated the betting favorite. Still, I sense Zolkin would have out-toughed and out-worked the Pole.
Golota was the more fluid and talented fighter, definitely. But not by a huge margin. Zolkin was plodding and mechanical, but had decent hand speed, could punch well in combination, and was well drilled in boxing basics because of his extensive amateur background.
Andrew's punching power may not have counted for much in this fight because Zolkin's best asset, arguably, was his durability. Other factors favoring Alex were his southpaw posture and superb physical conditioning.
I can envision Zolkin winning on points in a rough, mauling fight. Another possibility is Golota gets DQ'd for foul tactics. Either way, all the rounds would be closely contested.
Had this bout actually occurred, Golota would probably be favored by margins of 2 to 1 or 8 to 5. But I would rate this fight a 50/50, or 60/40 chance of Golota victory. Nonetheless, I think Zolkin takes it.
Believe it or not, I actually lean towards Zolkin. My judgment is mostly a matter of faith, as I realize that Golota would have rated the betting favorite. Still, I sense Zolkin would have out-toughed and out-worked the Pole.
Golota was the more fluid and talented fighter, definitely. But not by a huge margin. Zolkin was plodding and mechanical, but had decent hand speed, could punch well in combination, and was well drilled in boxing basics because of his extensive amateur background.
Andrew's punching power may not have counted for much in this fight because Zolkin's best asset, arguably, was his durability. Other factors favoring Alex were his southpaw posture and superb physical conditioning.
I can envision Zolkin winning on points in a rough, mauling fight. Another possibility is Golota gets DQ'd for foul tactics. Either way, all the rounds would be closely contested.
Had this bout actually occurred, Golota would probably be favored by margins of 2 to 1 or 8 to 5. But I would rate this fight a 50/50, or 60/40 chance of Golota victory. Nonetheless, I think Zolkin takes it.