By Lisa Scott

Photo Lisa Scott

In October of 2000, fight fans will recall one of the most memorable moments in boxing: Trainer Al Certo passionately urging his fighter Andrew Golota not to quit against Mike Tyson, all the while unleashing a flurry of expletives and feverently stretching upwards to replace the mouth piece back into his 6'4" fighter. Not appearing to be injured in any way, Golota pushed past Certo and told referee Frank Garza, 'I quit!'

Sadly, upon exiting the ring that night, Golota was taunted and pelted with debris by the audience. After being publicly condemned, Golota disappeared for three years. He returned to the ring last August and has since acquired a 2-0 record against nondescript opposition with Sam Colona as his trainer. Several weeks ago, he signed with promoter Don King - who petitioned the IBF to include his fighter into their rankings. The 36-year-old Golota (38-4; 31 KO's) is now rated #15 and is scheduled to fight southpaw Chris Byrd (37-2; 20 KO's) for his IBF heavyweight title on April 17th at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Fightnews contacted Certo to get his thoughts on Byrd-Golota.

"A leopard doesn't change his spots!" says Certo. "Andrew was such a dope! He had all the talent in the world to be a champion and he blew it. He couldn't get it done when he had the chance! So, what makes him think he can do it now? Who the hell knows what he's gonna do against Byrd?"

In 1995, Golota became so frustrated with his opponent Samson Po'uha, that he bit him on the shoulder. The following year, Golota went low-blow-crazy in both of his fights against former champ, Riddick Bowe and was disqualified - prompting then trainer Lou Duva to tell reporters: "We were winning the fight! I was yelling and screaming for Andrew to keep his punches up, but he wouldn't listen to me! I just don't know... I guess I have to learn to speak Polish." In 1997, a flustered Golota was KO'd within seconds of the first round by Lennox Lewis, who was defending his WBC title.

Then, after dominating Michael Grant in 1999 and knocking him down twice... Golota quietly said 'No' when asked if he wanted to continue. Certo estimates, "Chris Byrd is a damn good boxer! He's verrry elusive. So, if he hits Byrd in the ass, he'll be damn lucky! I think... if Chris goes in there and fights a good fight, Andrew is liable to get frustrated, run out of the ring and say 'F' you, I quit!' But, who the hell knows? Ike Ibeabuchi stopped Chris and Wladimir was able to nail him. And, I think Andrew is faster than either of those guys. So, who knows! Andrew has the ability to be a champion, especially with all the crap that's out there in the division right now. Then again, Andrew only fought two popcorn fights after a three year layoff... so who the hell knows?"

In the days prior to Golota's fight with Tyson, Certo remembers: "Once Andrew steps in the ring, his mind is elsewhere. Let me tell you... the night before he fought Tyson, we visited a Polish Community Center and they were treating him like he was Jesus Christ! I told him 'Andrew, you can't let these people down!' He tells me "I'm never going to lose again!' Boy, did he ever have me convinced!"

Pausing for a moment from his feisty repartee and sharp wit, Certo shows sympathy for Golota and states sincerely, "I hope Andrew beats Byrd so that he can redeem himself. I really do. I hate to see a fighter go out like he did against Tyson. Andrew has the goods to be a champ! That's what makes it all so frustrating - to see someone so close to becoming a champ and then letting it slip through his fingers."

After a brief pause, Certo exalts: "I just hope he doesn't run out of the ring like he did against Tyson! If he does, I hope his corner kicks his ass... because that's what I wanted to do! When I heard him mumble 'stop the fight', I felt like crackin' him with the stool!"

After telling this reporter last year that he 'had his belly full' of the sport of boxing, Certo is back in action and is currently training a promising young jr. middleweight by the name of Hassan Al (29-1-3; 11 KO's), who is expected to fight next month in Florida. Certo enthuses: "Let me tell you... I love this kid! He's a throwback from the old time fighters and is the greatest fighter I've trained since Buddy McGirt! Also, I think Hassan is a lot like another fighter I trained, Mustafa Hamsho. He's a tough, tough guy with a good chin. He's amazing and he's got the ability to be up there with all the top notch fighters.

"I had my belly full of the sport and was finished with all the crap that goes on in boxing. I didn't think I would get back into it, but when I saw Hassan, I changed my mind. He makes me feel young again and gives me hope that we can do something good for the sport. His attitude and whole make-up of boxing is great! You don't have to tell him things like how to live or remind him to do his road work. Hassan knows what it takes to be a champion. That's what I like about him."

With all the ballyhoo that surrounds 'Baby' Joe Mesi, Certo was asked his impression of the up and coming heavyweight from Buffalo, NY. He states: "I just wish people would stop comparing him to Rocky Marciano and other greats! Joe is a mediocre fighter and has got a lot to learn. It seems that when he gets a little tired, he becomes sloppy and gets tagged, and just goes down. He hasn't proven anything to me yet. But, I see that he has a lot of determination and he gets up after being knocked down. That's important. But, he's been down a few times and that doesn't sit well with me."

Recently, ESPN announced that it would no longer foot the $50,000 licensing fee to stage a fight card, forcing promoters to carry the financial burden alone. With his 60 plus years in boxing, Certo has seen it all and weathered countless storms. He states, "ESPN is full of baloney! I would boycott them for what they have done to boxing! They've ruined the sport for the fighters and for the fans. If there was some kind of a guild like there was years ago when I was boxing, we would have banned the network and guys wouldn't fight on their show. Now, unfortunately, ESPN is calling the shots. But, boxing will survive. It's one of the first sports in the world. Somehow, boxing always survives."

Last week, Certo (or Seacaucus, NJ) was inducted into the Hudson County Sports Hall of Fame (in New Jersey) for his achievements in boxing. He states "It's always nice to be recognized for your efforts. I'm happy with the award. But, there is no greater feeling than being able to bring a fighter to a world championship like I did with Buddy McGirt. I only wished I could have done it with Andrew Golota."