PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, BUT DIRTIER.

Byline: MICHAEL ROSENTHAL Boxing

You know you have trouble when the referee becomes part of the hype for a major fight.

Frank Garza, a ref since 1992, could be the busiest man in the ring when Mike Tyson and Andrew Golota meet in a 10-round heavyweight bout Saturday in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Tyson is as well known these days for gnawing off the body parts of his opponents and his vile out-of-the-ring comments and behavior as he is for fighting. Meanwhile, Golota has landed more low blows than left hooks in his troubling career.

It's already ugly and the fight hasn't started.

``There are several issues that I want to cover with Tyson and Golota in the dressing rooms,'' Garza said on a conference call. ``I want them to understand the Michigan boxing rules. Another issue is how I am going to referee. I want them to know where I am going to be at and what I will and will not tolerate.

``This is a chance for both of them to absolve themselves of any controversy or notoriety they may have had in their careers.''

Well, it sounds as if Garza understands what these fighters are capable of and is taking the appropriate precautions. However, to get an idea whether Garza is truly prepared, let's examine his responses to some key questions posed by reporters.

--Q:How do you react to those who say this will be a difficult assignment?

--A: The critics are only looking at one side of the coin. There is another side. If you look at both boxers, they are two of the best boxing technicians in the heavyweight division. I think the critics are cutting them short that they will put on a great show.

--Analysis: Yeah, Tyson and Golota are misunderstood. Has Garza seen Tyson-Evander Holyfield I and Golota's two bouts with Riddick Bowe?

--Q: Have you had a fight that was very dirty?

--A: I took a point away and came close to disqualifying a fighter for excessive holding. He just did not want to fight.

--Analysis: Uh oh, bad sign. If he thinks that's a dirty fight. . . .

--Q: Would you consider any of the fights you've done of this magnitude?

--A: Every fight I have done is of this magnitude.

--Analysis: Uh, OK. (Note: Garza has refereed exactly one championship fight.)

--Q: How big are you and will you have problems separating the two fighters?

--A: ``I'm 5-8, 172 pounds. I never have had problems with the heavyweight division. One time I had to lift a boxer who weighed 245 pounds. I put my arms around him, dug my shoulder in and picked him off of the floor and carried him to the neutral corner.

--Analysis: Perfect. A referee who refs dirty.

--Q: What would you do if one fighter bit the other fighter in the ear?

--A: What I would do . . . depends on a number of things. Why did he bite him in the ear? . . .

--Analysis: OK, wait a second. Why did he bit him in the ear? We could be in trouble.

--Potential is there: Actually, Garza's optimism isn't completely unfounded. If Tyson and Golota do manage to fight cleanly, this could be an outstanding fight.

Say what you will about the deterioration of Tyson's skills at 34. The man still comes to fight, which is all boxing fans want.

Golota seemed to show signs of exceptional ability in his two fights with Bowe, although he was disqualified for low blows both times. He hasn't looked good since. His worst post-Bowe moment came against Lennox Lewis, when he froze and was unable to fight. He knows his career couldn't survive many more setbacks.

``I can't lose. I just can't lose,`` he said.

Let's hope both he and Tyson fight as if that were the case.

--Vargas-Trinidad: It's official. Fernando Vargas and Felix Trinidad will meet to unify their titles on Dec. 2 in Las Vegas. Is there a more intriguing matchup out there?

Like this fight, Oscar De La Hoya and Trinidad entered the ring undefeated. However, as one observer put it, ``There are no pretty boys in this one.``

Vargas is too smart to stand in front of Trinidad and bang but won't run as De La Hoya did. His ability to take Trinidad's punch could determine the winner.

--De La Hoya watch: The former champion has yet to select a trainer to replace Robert Alcazar, assuming Alcazar is out. Emanuel Steward, Jesus Rivero and Joe Goossen reportedly remain among the favorites.

In many ways, Goossen makes the most sense. He's an excellent motivator, he'll provide the discpline De La Hoya needs, he's calm and effective in the corner, he and De La Hoya are both L.A. guys and he has the track record.

Goossen's work with Wilfredo Rivera for his bout with Shane Mosley was an example of his ability. Rivera has a fraction of Mosley's ability yet gave him almost as tough a fight as De La Hoya did.

Steward is a fine trainer. However, he's busy with Lewis and left the De La Hoya camp on bad terms. Rivero, who also worked with De La Hoya, is defense oriented.

--Post Olympics: Teddy Atlas, who was in Sydney as a television analyst, told USA Today that featherweight silver-medalist Rocky Juarez is the best American prospect coming out of the Olympics.

``He's got a pro mentality, he's patient, good body puncher and a good puncher overall,`` Atlas said. ``He's also crowd-pleasing and aggresive. Boxing has been in his life a long time and he's very focused.``

Atlas ranked light welterweight Ricardo Williams and light flyweight Brian Viloria Nos. 2 and 3.