Andrzej Gołota: Polish Boxing Today Is Driven by Women

Andrzej Gołota appeared at a boxing gala where Julia Szeremeta was the center of attention. The Olympic silver medalist was returning to the ring after the Games, and the presence of one of the biggest figures in the history of Polish boxing provided a good opportunity to talk not only about her success, but also about women’s boxing, the widely discussed incident in Ożarów Mazowiecki, Gołota’s former rivals, and major heavyweight fights. As usual, the former Polish representative answered briefly, directly, and in his characteristic style.

We are meeting here on the occasion of Julia Szeremeta’s fight. This is her first appearance since the Olympic Games. When you look at her success and the attention she attracts, do you see her becoming a major star of Polish boxing?

Andrzej Gołota: First of all, Polish boxing is now being driven by women. We are rooting for Julia and supporting her.

Do you think Szeremeta also has the potential to become a major media personality?

I don’t know much about women’s boxing, so it is difficult for me to say much more about it. She fights, she keeps trying, and she is doing well.

After her Olympic success, women’s boxing is being talked about much more in Poland. Do you feel that the way this discipline is perceived has changed?

There is definitely more talk about it. Above all, thanks to Julia. Polish boxing has its traditions, after all, and it is good that something like this is happening.

There was a lot of controversy surrounding Szeremeta’s Olympic final, especially concerning her opponent. How did you view the situation?

It should have been checked. It was a difficult situation, but things like that should be thoroughly clarified. Check it and that’s it.

You also recently appeared at a gala in Ożarów Mazowiecki. There was plenty of talk about the fights in the ring, but what happened outside the ring also attracted a lot of attention. The internet picked up the story very quickly. What actually happened there?

There was no fight. It was a minor argument, an exchange of words. Let’s just say it was an exchange of words.

So it should not be treated as a brawl?

No.

The media even reported that it all started because someone threw a tangerine at you. Did that really happen?

I don’t remember.

Although it has been quite some time since you ended your career, the name Andrzej Gołota still excites boxing fans. After the events in Ożarów, the media and the internet were once again talking about you. Do you follow all that attention?

No. Seriously.

Did you switch off your phone?

Yes.

When you appear at boxing galas, people very often ask you for photographs. Do they also want to reminisce about your old fights?

This is the world of boxing. Anything can happen.

Does it bother you when, during a dinner or a meeting, people line up to take a photograph with you?

That’s perfectly fine. Why not?

It is December 13. Tomorrow marks the 28th anniversary of one of the most memorable fights of your career. Do you immediately know which fight I mean?

I don’t remember.

December 14, 1996 — the rematch with Riddick Bowe.

Oh, yes. A great fight.

Do you still remember that evening?

I don’t remember.

After that fight, there were reports that you had broken your jaw. Was that true?

It wasn’t broken. It was slightly damaged. Afterwards, I had to have my jaw wired for several days.

Did you have to go straight to the hospital after the fight?

Yes, I did.

Over the years, you have met Bowe from time to time. Are those friendly meetings today, or is there still some bad blood between you?

I feel a little sorry that things turned out the way they did for him. After all, he was a great champion.

Did you hear about his financial problems?

I don’t know the details. I don’t get involved.

We also have a major event coming up in professional boxing — a rematch that the entire boxing world is talking about. Are you following the preparations? Do you have a favorite?

It is a big fight. One guy is big, the other is very clever. The outcome is uncertain.

So you don’t want to make a prediction?

No.

A lot has been written about you in recent days. You could even say that your presence helped bring additional publicity to the gala and to Julia Szeremeta’s fight.

You have to help. Let there be articles, let something happen in boxing. Something has to be going on.

So Andrzej Gołota can still create a bit of excitement around boxing?

And that’s a good thing.