Hank Griffin (boxer) facts for kids
Hank Griffin (born around 1870 – died May 2, 1911) was a skilled African American boxer. He faced some of the most famous fighters of his time. These included champions like Harris "The Black Pearl" Martin, Frank Childs, and even World Heavyweight Champions Jack Johnson and James J. Jeffries.
Facing the Champions
Hank Griffin had some very tough fights against legendary boxers.
Fights with James J. Jeffries
In 1896, early in the career of future World Heavyweight Champion James J. Jeffries, Griffin lost a match by a KO. A KO, or "knockout," happens when a boxer is hit so hard they can't continue the fight.
Griffin fought Jeffries again in 1901. This time, the fight ended in a no-decision. A "no-decision" means that neither boxer was declared the winner or loser by the judges.
Challenging Jack Johnson
In 1902, Hank Griffin had two important fights against another future World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Johnson. Both fights took place in Los Angeles, California. Even though Griffin fought very well, he lost both matches.
Years later, in his autobiography from 1927, Jack Johnson wrote something amazing about Hank Griffin. Johnson said that out of all his fights, even the championship ones, none were harder than those against Griffin. He even believed that Griffin gave him the toughest challenge he ever faced in the boxing ring. This shows how respected and powerful Hank Griffin was as a boxer.
