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VIDEO: When Fans Vandalized Mike Tyson’s Opponent for Quitting In-Ring

Published 10/03/2021, 9:30 AM EDT

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Mike Tyson’s menacing attitude towards his opponents had been the eye-grabbing element of heavyweight boxing for several years. From brawls, trash-talkings to uncanny controversies, every bout that Mike Tyson was a part of always spun headlines. However, a bizarre incident happened when Tyson faced Andrew Golota back in 2000.

Controversies surrounded this fight, including Tyson, later testing positive for marijuana. However, the in-ring scenario was already sufficient to evoke several reactions from all around the world. Mike Tyson vs Andrew Golota happened on October 20, 2000, at The Palace in Auburn Hills.

The fight was very important as many believed the winner could get a shot at champion (then) Lennox Lewis.

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The high-profile heavyweights came in with sheer aggression and paved the road to a gruesome fight. Mike Tyson was the aggressor and didn’t hesitate to charge his Polish opponent with big blows.

He also fetched an early knockdown. However, Golota returned stronger in round two and while he ate some massive shots from Tyson, the Polish planted some of his own.

Owing to the fighters’ performances in the first 2 rounds, people expected round three to be even more close. But to everyone’s surprise, Andrew Golota retired from the stool. He hadn’t contracted too much damage on naked eyes. However, Golota didn’t want to fight. His corner inspired him to continue.

They even forced him to a certain extent. But the Polish boxer refused and walked away. Mike Tyson was awarded an RTD win for that.

The aftermath of Mike Tyson vs Andrew Golota

On his way back to the green room, fans mocked Andrew Golota in the most humiliating fashion. The audience threw popcorn, drinks, and several other things at him. It was a total massacre as security quickly took away Golota from the spot.

Mike Tyson’s post-medical reports snatched away the win from him and turned it into an NC. Hence, ‘Iron’ had to prove himself with another successful win against Brian Nielsen before earning a shot at ‘Lion’ Lewis. Meanwhile, Golota suffered heavy criticism from the fans.

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The footage of him being molested by the crowd shook several of his loyalists. Following that, it was reported that Golota contracted serious injury in the fight.

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Dr. Wesley Yapor, a neurosurgeon who treated Golota at Chicago’s Resurrection Medical Center, revealed horrific details regarding the medical setbacks of Golota.

“If he had sustained another serious blow to the head he could have become paralyzed,” said the medical expert.

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After recovering completely, Golota returned to action three years later in 2003. He went on fighting for 10 more years before eventually retiring in 2013.

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Written by:

Raj Sarkar

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A senior boxing writer at EssentiallySports, Raj Sarkar is a mass media graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in broadcast journalism. In addition to his current role, he has worked with the MMA team at EssentiallySports and has interviewed prominent fighters such as Ritu Phogat and 'The Red King' Rory MacDonald. He combined his bachelor's degree with his adoration for combat sports and has a combined 2000 plus bylines in MMA and boxing over the last two years.
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