BoxRec

Both were promoted by Main Events at the time.

What if Holyfield vs then-unbeaten Golota would've happened instead of Holyfield-Czyz and Golota-Bowe I in mid-1996, at MSG?

Golota would have his moments outboxing Holyfield behind his jabs and left-right combos in the early rounds, but Holyfield would be the "Real Deal" by landing more jabs and counterpunches that would make Golota quit in the late rounds.

Holyfield wins when Golota quits, by about round 8 or 9

Golota was very good back then, but Holyfield stylistically worse for him than Bowe. Holy would be tougher to be hit low and he could return a favor with his head.