I dunno, I'm not ready to say Joshua with certainty in this one. 96 Golota was head and shoulders better than anyone he's faced. We know AJ can punch, but his firepower isn't up to par with Lewis. Ehhh, who the Hell am I kidding? Golota would find a way to fall apart.
Five years ago when I made that post, I didn't know how fragile AJ was. But even then, I hinted that this isn't a lock. Golota might fuck this up, he could fuck up anything, but let's be honest, Bowe took punishment that AJ's chin simply could not withstand. Honestly... I think the 96 Golota that showed in the first two Bowe fights probably ices AJ. The man is too fragile to survive the onslaught Bowe survived. So, I would make AJ very live based on Golota's mental instability, but on paper I would make 96 Golota the favorite. BTW - Golota only really got blown out when he was scared. He was scared to death of Lewis and Tyson, because let's be honest, they're two of the most intimidating fighters OAT. Golota wouldn't be scared of AJ's soft ass. I think that counts for something, cause it would affect the way Golota approaches the fight.
Golota was also blown out by Brewster, and he came to the fight after several solid performances, which made him the favorite. If they fought as unknown prospects, I'd pick Golota. If the fight got any attention, I'd pick AJ. He isn't worse than Michael Grant.
Joshua's shots are far too explosive for Golota. Unlikely it's early - although that's the way you should fight Golota - but Joshua is both more talented, and should last longer. Golota does get a little underrated though.
It's the hand-speed and straight shots I'd be more concerned with if I were Golota, but even still, I doubt Herbie Hide would get up six times from Joshua.
