Photo Courtesy of Walters Photography, all rights reserved
Here is a list of Andy “Kaos” Kolles last five fights; (records are from time of fight) Nov,17-07 Matt Vanda (37,4), June,7-08 Jonathan Reid (34,9), Sept, 25-08 Paul Williams (34,1), March, 28-09 Anthony Bonsante (32,10,3), June, 18-09 Anthony Shuler (20,5,1). Andy won all but one of these fights. The only person in this state who could match the opponents Kaos has faced over the last couple of years would be Matt Vanda but he didn’t bring home the W’s. The reason I bring this up is, Where is the buzz? The major talk around the state has been revolving around; Matt Vanda, Zach Walters, Phil Williams, Jason Litzau, and Wilton Hilario. Hasn’t Kolle been the one guy who has brought home the bacon? Jake Wegner recently listed Kolle along with Litzau as somebody who was right there as far as the national scene goes, going as far as to say he was one of the better south paws in the Country. Where are the headlines? Where is the buzz?
There was a lot of talk and excitement after Chuck Horton and Tony Grygelko made their gentleman’s agreement to have “Golden” Caleb Truax take on Kolle this fall. But with all the calling out, and big fight announcements the Truax/Kolle affair seems to have lost steam. Would setting a place and date for this fight kindle the fire again? Are Andy and Caleb just not outspoken enough to stir the fans imaginations? There are not many in the state who would argue there are better middle weights then, Andy Kolle, Caleb Truax, and Kenny Kost. With Kost having not fought for a very long time, doesn’t that leave Kolle/Truax as the best middle weight match up in the state? Its often been said that middle was the strong division in Minnesota, why the lack of love?
Okay, Okay, I hear you, the name Andy “Kaos” Kolle often finds its way into my writings. But instead of talking about what he has done, shouldn’t we be pondering what might be. What national fighters should team Horton have their eyes on? How can Andy get some quality TV time? It would seem to me that he is a marketers dream. He is obviously not afraid of anything or anyone in the ring. He is only fighting quality record boxers. He has proven power. And he has an Oscar type look. What’s the problem? Boxrec’s # 6 in the Nation Andy Kolle (19,2). Bring on the headlines….
From our Jake Wegner interview
M…. What MN fighters do you think have the greatest potential to make waves on the national level.
Jake…. Obviously Jason Litzau is already there. I like Andy Kolle, but he needs to talk more and do more interviews—be more accessable. I’m told by those that haveinterviewed him, that he only does them by email. His team needs to market him outside of Duluth because he has a lot of potential. I think Andy Kolle is one of the better southpaws in the land, but provided he makes it past Truax in the Fall, and then hopefully Kost, I would really like to see Andy in a nice fight on ESPN against a guy similar in talent. In other words, he shouldn’t haveto fight killers like Ward and Paul Williams to be able to get a fight and a payday on ESPN. He should be matched evenly and allowed to shine. I like Caleb Truax’s athleticism and counter-punching, but I want to see him be more aggressive out there, and I think that certainly Phil Williams has the right stuff to shine on a national level. Had Codrington showed up that night when he ended up fighting Echols, Phil just may have killed him. He looked that good, and everyone that was there noticed the power and speed of his jab. It had the force of a cross. Joey Abell is in the right weight class, and definitely has the right skin color to get him televised fights, but I want Joey to see a hypnotist, Anthony Robbins, or whatever it takes to get his full confidence back, and then step up and fight some serious names in the Heavyweight division. If Wilton Hilario beats Jason Litzau this Fall, then his name jumps to the moon automatically. It’s a crime that a Light Heavyweight with Zach Walters’ record has not been invited over to Germany to face a European belt holder and get a career payday. I can put him in touch with the right people overseas to make that happen if he’s interested.
Youv lost it. all you talk about is kolle. he is a good mn fighter, thats it
take zach and andy out of duluth, and you have average at best
I think Matt Vanda and Anthony Bonsante would disagree with you.
I would also like to say to Jakes point about interviews. I have done them with Andy in person and through email. I dont know how much that matters. But I do agree that he needs to be made more visible.
This piece must be tongue in cheek. Clearly you aren’t serious. You can’t be that naive.
If Caleb gets his shot at Kolle, the headline will read. And the New Champ.
Todd my friend, I like your enthusiasm but you need to look a little deeper and be a little more realistic about expectations and accomplishments. Let me explain:
Matt Vanda: I still think this is Andy’s best win because Vanda was still young and Andy did it in Matt’s hometown. Unfortunately for Andy his win came AFTER both Bonsante and Kost did it in much more dominant fashion. Also, Bonsante’s win was at the Target Center in front of a huge crowd, Kost’s win was at the Roy Wilkins with a very nice crowd and Andy got the win over Matt at a night club in Maplewood.
Jonathan Reid: Beating a 35 year old who had lost 5 straight coming in including a UD loss to Canadian Mark Woolnough shouldn’t and didn’t open up too many eyes nationally.
Speaking of nationally, that’s exactly where Andy went with his next fight against Paul Williams. Now I admit, I think you gotta go for it when you get a chance to make a name for yourself against a current world champ and we all know that Andy went in with no fear but the fight did last only 97 seconds. That didn’t do much to help boost Andy’s profile nationally.
Props to Kaos for coming right back against Bonsante, but even though it’s a fantastic win and made him undisputed state middleweight champion, it was against the 38 year old Bonsante. Nobody in this state will tell you that the same Bonsante that throttled Vanda and gave John Duddy hell was the same Bonsante in the ring with Kolle. Props to Horton for knowing the exact time to get Bonsante in the ring.
Anthony Shuler is a build up fighter from Indiana. Look at his record, Todd! It may catch the eye and look decent but anyone in this sport will know better. We’re talking about a guy who was destroyed in 2 by Chavez Jr and drilled in one by Yory Boy Campas. Andy did exactly what he was supposed to.
Now, I’m as surprised as anyone that neither Andy or Zach has gotten a shot on ESPN yet. I think I know exactly why, but this isn’t my place to speculate. What’s one thing that both Zach and Andy are lacking? A quality win against a prospect in their prime. It doesn’t exist on either resume’. Would a Kolle win against Truax be that fight? I’m not sure, as Caleb doesn’t have a notable win either. Would Phil Williams be that for Zach? Absolutely. I want to see Andy get a fight with either Michael Walker of Chicago or Travis Loveless of Indiana before stepping in with a Daniel Jacobs or Peter Quilling. Then you might see Kaos on television!
Tim, I believe in what I wrote. Naive? Maybe, Probably.
Cory,
Well thought out and well said. Not sure why it matters where Andy fought Vanda(meaning venue). To the rest of it, very good points. Doesnt change my belief in where Andy is or will be, but you showed a better case than I.
I think Andy has done the most in the last few years. But I also agree with Cory. I would like to see him fight a guy just like himself or a step higher. A guy in his prime.
Everybody wants to take away from what Andy has won. A fight is a fight and he beat those guys. Andy is tops in MN. Todd, I agree that Andy needs to get more headlines. Any ideas how?
The only way Andy gets back on TV is as an opponent to get beat up again. When are you guys in Duluth going to realize Andy is nothing more than another Midwest club fighter with a bloated record?
here is my thought. We know Andy’s two losses came from the best the world has to offer. He has beaten everybody else put in front of him. This is where I really agree with Jake Wegner, I would love to see him get a fight a step or two higher in class. But my guess is, that would mean hitting the road. So my opinion is, they should take advantage of the instate talent for a couple more fights. Truax, Kost, maybe Vanda, Schmidt, or Fort.
Here is my thought, take off your I heart Kolle T, give it back to your wife. Take a deep breath, and take a look out side of Duluth. I think Kolle and Jason L are the P4P best in Minnesota. Minnesota!!!
First off who has vanda or Williams fought to maked them the best in this state. You have to think your the best to be the best . I am zach an Andy biggest fan an to this day I’m proud of them no matter if they win or loose its the sport of boxing
Amanda who has Zack beat? You dont even try to be objective.
i bet andy is wishing like crazy that they took that vanda fight in june.
so he can have two wins over vanda?
I dont think andy regrets not fighting vanda again. Kost and Truax are better at this point. Let Kost and Truax fight for the right to face Kolle. And for now, find Andy another another fight at 154. This time both boxers at 154.
I tend to agree with Bob. Although, I think Truax and Kolle should fight. Kost needs to just get back in the ring so we know where he is at.
Vanda is the biggest fight out there for Andy, hands down. Kost was embarrassed on national TV (again) by Camacho and at this point Truax brings zero to Andys visibility outside MN. And that’s what Andy needs to focus on. Just like Phil said – Andy being the first (in a long time) to stop Vanda would get him far more recognition nationally than a win against Truax. Plus, he could errase that bad memory of getting floored by a guy with feather fists and prove he does have a good chin after all.
Vanda hasnt won a meaningful fight period. Most people say he lost against Tucker too. How is he the biggest fight for Kolle? Its time for todays boxers to box.
I had Tocker winning pretty easy. But, I do think, today, Matt is still a big fight for pretty much anyone in Minnesota. I still say Andy’s best off cleaning the state out and doing the 154 thing.
another win over vanda would just take more time out of his career.
Kolle is on the right path. He should be marketed more and have more fights outside of Minnesota with boxers of like talent.
^^ Too risky to Chuck’s meal ticket.
if thats his meal ticket, Calebs going to starve chuck
Andy would be favored in his fight with Truax. I think both are great guys. Caleb is very good and has great fans. Right now Andy is the champ.
stop being idiots.
you guys think andy made more money fighting a joker from indiana then he would of if he fought the predator for the belt?
i think andy would have got about a million times more exposure in the cities then in a bar in duluth. i dont care who was in town cuz only 1000 peopel were in there. thats all that matters.
if andy would have beat matt then do you think the predator vs the drill would be happening now? you think that maybe if they would have taken that fight andy would have another huge win against matt and zack might have his phil fight this fall instead of matt having it? what big local and big money fight is there for zack now? none. matt has it.
chuck isnt looking to good on this decicion. i think duluth is losing in this so called war with minneapolis so far.
This topic was about Andy, not Zach. Nobody ever said more money would be made fighting at Grandmas than at the Target Center. He already has the W against Vanda. Sure, I love a good fight. I would still love a Kolle/Vanda fight. But career wise, its take or leave. My opinion would be diferant had Kolle not already beat him. Aside from a Traux fight there really isnt much for Andy to prove in MN.
Let me get this. Kaos not fighting Vanda set in motion a chain of events that forever will doom Duluth fighters. Phil beating vanda proves absolutly nothing. Everyone knows that. Phil took the money and run.
there are plenty of articles and interviews about the Zach/Phil affair. Lets keep posts under this heading related to Andy Kolle.
I say Kaos should shut Vanda up again. for now, they need to make the Truax fight happen. nobody is getting any younger.
lots of people think vanda won that fight. it wasnt the predator that tasted the canvas either. you jokers just cant admit that horton blew it and since he got mad for some reason both zack and andy are missing out on big local fights. thats my thoughts on the whole thing.
phil didnt run from zack. it was put up or shut up from teh duluth boys and they made a video down by the river insetad. real sweet boys. i dont know the names of vandas trainer or manager or promoter and the same goes for phil but i do know hear chuck hortons name related to zack and andy all the time. why is that?
All I can say is, those at the top of this game are known. not all for the right reasons, but they get paid. Its better to be talked about than to be unkown when you are in entertainment.
I thought the video was great. They were responded to all of Phils talk. Not to mention trying to promote a show they had coming up. I dont know any of these fighters outside of Duluth, but I can tell you Andy and Zach are great guys.
You all are crazy. Who cares about one state. MN has a few nice fighters. Andy Kolle has the right stuff to make a name for himself if marketed. Jason Litzau has shown himself at the very top. I have had the opportunity to watch Caleb Truax, in time, he could turn out very good. I like how they are moving his career. Be happy for some of talent you have and enjoy the guys that are going to be MN fighters.
This is a MN boxing site. just saying.
I don’t even know what that is supposed to mean
My comment was to gator. “who cares about one state”
i hope these kids dont get screwed because of egos. i dont care if they are from duluth, st paul, brainerd. it should be about the fighters, they are the ones risking it all.
i know its the opposite way of which kolle is trying to move…but he should try and fight adonis stevenson and see if he can do better than bonsante..