Golota claims Brewster fight will be his last if he loses

CHICAGO -- Andrew Golota has been called a lot of things over the years, but heavyweight champion isn't one of them.

Considered by many to be a good boxer with bad manners, the 6-foot-4 Polish-born heavyweight some critics have nicknamed the "Foul Pole" has repeatedly failed to win a title.

That could change on May 21 when Golota (38-5-1, 31 KOs), who's fighting under the "Powerful Pole" moniker, steps into the ring at the United Center to fight "Relentless" Lamon Brewster (31-2, 27 KOs), who has held the World Boxing Organization's heavyweight championship since last April.

It will be the first time since 1981 that a heavyweight title bout has been fought in Chicago.

The two fighters are at completely different points in their careers.

Brewster, 31, won his first heavyweight title a year ago and is looking to make a name for himself, while Golota, 37, is making his third consecutive attempt at a title.

"This is the last chance," Golota said. If he loses, it will be "time to buy nice fishing equipment and go hunt some fish."

The two boxers and Don King, flanked on both sides by the fighters, discussed the "Battle of Chicago ... Border War" Thursday at the United Center.

"It's the birth of a new dream," King announced. "We're going to resurrect boxing in this town of Chicago."

Golota, who was born in Warsaw, Poland, started boxing at the age of 13. He came to Chicago in 1991 and turned pro shortly afterward, winning 24 of his first 27 fights by knockout.

He developed a tough but dirty reputation as a fighter who was prone to head butts and low blows. During one fight in 1995, he bit Samson Po'uha in the shoulder and went on to win a fifth round TKO.

In 1996, he fought Riddick Bowe for the championship twice and was disqualified for hitting below the belt both times. His last title fight was a controversial loss to John Ruiz in November.

King said Thursday that Golota's troubles in the ring are past history.

"We got a new Golota here and it is a new dream," King said.

Brewster is aware of Golota's history in the ring, calling him "dangerous."

"I can only hope and pray that I will be having a referee that will be doing his job to make sure that we have a clean fight," he said.