Montell Griffin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montell Griffin |
|
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Montell Julian Griffin |
| Nickname(s) | Ice |
| Rated at | Light heavyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in |
| Reach | 70 in |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | June 6, 1970 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 59 |
| Wins | 50 |
| Wins by KO | 30 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 1 |
Montell Julian Griffin (born June 6, 1970) is a former American professional boxer. He was known for his exciting fights and for holding the WBC light heavyweight boxing title in 1997. Montell, nicknamed "Ice," challenged for a world title two times during his career.
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Early Life
Montell Griffin was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 6, 1970. When he was 22, he lived in Midway City, California. In 1992, he won the U.S. Amateur Boxing Championships. He also beat Jeremy Williams, who later became a famous heavyweight boxer, to join the 1992 Olympic team.
Amateur Boxing
Montell Griffin had a great amateur boxing record, winning 36 fights and losing only 5. He became the United States Amateur Light Heavyweight champion in 1992.
At the 1992 Olympic tryouts, Jeremy Williams beat Montell in the final. However, Montell beat Williams twice in special "box-off" matches. This earned him a spot on the Olympic team for the light-heavyweight division. His results at the Olympics were:
- He won on points against France Mabiletsa from Botswana.
- He won on points against Yo-Da Ko from South Korea.
- He lost to Torsten May from Germany due to some confusing scoring.
Professional Boxing Career
Montell "Ice" Griffin started his professional boxing career in 1993. He became well-known after he defeated James Toney twice. These wins happened in 1995 and 1996. The second victory over Toney helped Montell get a big fight against the WBC champion, Roy Jones Jr..
Griffin vs. Roy Jones Jr.
After his win against James Toney in 1996, Montell Griffin got a chance to fight Roy Jones Jr.. Jones Jr. was the WBC light-heavyweight champion at the time. Montell gave Jones Jr. his first-ever loss as a professional boxer!
During their fight, Jones Jr. hit Montell after Montell had already taken a knee on the canvas. This is against the rules in boxing. Because of this, Jones Jr. was disqualified, and Montell won the fight and the WBC title.
They had a rematch very soon after, on August 21, 1997. In this fight, Jones Jr. won back his WBC title by knocking out Montell in the first round.
Later Career and Achievements
Even after losing to Roy Jones Jr., Montell Griffin stayed a top light-heavyweight boxer for six more years. He won 11 of his next 12 fights. His only loss during this time was a close decision to Eric Harding, even though Montell knocked him down.
Montell then had four more knockout wins. This led to a big fight in Germany against Dariusz Michalczewski, who had never lost a fight before. Montell started strong, winning the first three rounds. However, Michalczewski was able to stop the fight in the fourth round.
In 2003, Montell fought Antonio Tarver for two vacant world titles. Montell lost this fight by a wide decision. As he got older, Montell had some more tough fights. He lost to boxers like Rico Hoye, Julio César González, and Glen Johnson.
Montell Griffin had a very impressive career. He beat famous boxers like James Toney twice and even got a win over Roy Jones Jr.. He also defeated other strong contenders like Ka-Dy King, Ray Lathon, and Derrick Harmon.
| 59 fights | 50 wins | 8 losses |
| By knockout | 30 | 3 |
| By decision | 19 | 5 |
| By disqualification | 1 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | |
Hall of Fame
Montell "Ice" Griffin had a professional boxing record of 50 wins and 8 losses. Because of his amazing career, he was inducted into the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame in October 2022. This is a special honor for boxers who have achieved a lot in the sport.
