AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- A last-minute argument over gloves for the Mike Tyson-Andrew Golota fight brought a protest from Golota's promoter less than three hours before the bout was set to begin Friday.

Gary Shaw, chief operating officer of Main Events, Golota's promoter, said that Tyson's camp insisted on using Everlast gloves and not the Reyes brand that Golota favors.

"I have officially protested the fight," Shaw told reporters ringside, but added that he will have Golota wear the Everlast gloves.

Shaw said he was not that concerned about the effect of the gloves on the actual fighting, but rather the effect the change in gloves will have on Golota's fragile ring psyche.

Asked if he's concerned about Golota's reaction, Shaw said: "Very, very. You don't get inside a guy's head and say, 'Hey, man you're not fighting with the same equipment as you thought you were."'

"I think Golota will go bananas," said Steve Farhood, a veteran editor of boxing magazines.

"Going by his history, a last-minute change like this could set him off. Andrew is so emotionally fragile to begin with."

Shaw said he was told by Ted Kaykuzemka, Michigan's chief inspector for the Michigan Athletic Board of Control, that the wishes of Tyson's camp would prevail.

Shaw said he also was told by Andy Metcalf, Jr. the state director of Consumer Affairs, "'either wear Everlast or go home."'

Michigan officials were not immediately available for comment.

Shaw said: "I don't believe the gloves knocks anybody out. But it's the fit of the glove. You get used to something. So its a comfort factor."

Shaw said he found out about the problem on Thursday and mentioned it to Michigan officials. He said they told him they would get back to him but did not until just before the scheduled 10-round bout.