Golota Quits Before Third Round

A U B U R N  H I L L S, Mich., Oct. 21 -- Mike Tyson won amid a chorus of boosthat poured down when Andrew Golota quit before the start of thethird round in their heavyweight match Friday night in the Palaceof Auburn Hills.

Golota was knocked down by a right hand late in the first roundbut got through the second round.

Then, just before the start of the third round, Golota left hiscorner and was told to return to by referee Frank Garza. He pushedthe referee, and Golota then signaled he was finished.

Tyson cursed at Golota, who left the ring under a shower of beerand popcorn.

It was a very unsatisfactory ending to what had the makings ofan interesting fight.The crowd of 16,228 continued to voice its displeasure whenTyson was announced as the winner.

Tyson Not to Blame This Time

Trainer Al Certo hollered to Golota, “What are you doing?”when Golota left his corner. He tried to guide Golota back to hiscorner, and when he tried to insert the mouthpiece, Golota pushedhim away.

Golota’s purse was $2.2 million, while Tyson made $10 million.

It was another controversial ending to a Tyson fight, but thistime the blame did not lie with Iron Mike.

The fight started as all Tyson bouts do with the formerundisputed heavyweight champion charging out seeking to end itquickly

He was wild—although he opened a cut over Golota’s left eye.Then, with 12 seconds remaining in the round, Tyson crashed a righthand to the head that toppled Golota.

Golota got up immediately and took the mandatory eight count,then the bell saved him from further punishment.

The second round was marked by a lot of clinching, althoughTyson got in a couple of hard head shots and one solid left jab tothe face.

A Good, Clean Fight

There were no dirty tactics by either fighter, who have earnedreputations for breaking the rules.

“I plan to fight clean as much as possible,” Golota saidbefore the fight.

It turned out he didn’t have much fight in him—clean or dirty-