Otis Grant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otis Grant |
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| Real name | Otis Grant | |||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Magic | |||||||||||||
| Rated at |
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| Height | 5 ft 9+1/2 in | |||||||||||||
| Reach | 71 in | |||||||||||||
| Nationality | Canadian | |||||||||||||
| Born | December 23, 1967 Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica |
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| Stance | Southpaw | |||||||||||||
| Boxing record | ||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 42 | |||||||||||||
| Wins | 38 | |||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 17 | |||||||||||||
| Losses | 3 | |||||||||||||
| Draws | 1 | |||||||||||||
| No contests | 0 | |||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Otis Grant (born December 23, 1967) is a retired Canadian boxer. He was known by his nickname "Magic." As a young boxer, he won a silver medal for Canada at the 1987 Pan American Games. He also held the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) middleweight title twice. Otis Grant was also the first Black Quebecer to win a WBO championship.
Contents
Early Life and Amateur Boxing
Otis Grant was born in Saint Ann, Jamaica. When he was 9 years old, in 1977, his family moved to Montreal, Canada. He started boxing at age 11 with his older brother, Howard. His family called him "Magic" because he was so good at basketball, like the famous player Magic Johnson.
When he was 17, Grant won the Canadian Senior Amateur Boxing Championships. This win helped him join the Canadian national team. He competed in the World Youth Championship. Later, he won a silver medal at the 1987 Pan American Games. He then became a professional boxer.
Professional Boxing Career
Otis "Magic" Grant became a professional boxer in 1988. He won the WBO middleweight title in 1997. He beat Ryan Rhodes in England to win the championship. After defending his title once, he gave up the belt in 1998.
Big Fight: Otis Grant vs. Roy Jones Jr.
In 1998, Grant decided to challenge Roy Jones Jr.. Jones Jr. was a champion in a heavier weight class. Grant moved up two weight classes to fight for the WBC and WBA light heavyweight titles.
Many people thought Grant was unlikely to win this fight. Jones Jr. was stronger throughout the match. He knocked Grant down in the 6th and 10th rounds. After the second knockdown, Grant's coach stopped the fight. This gave Jones Jr. the win.
Amazing Comeback to Boxing
In 1999, Otis Grant was in a very serious car crash. Doctors thought he might not be able to box again. But Grant was determined to return to the ring. He wanted to fight for another title.
After four years away from boxing, he made his comeback in 2003. He won his first fight back against Dingaan Thobela. Grant then won six more fights in a row. In 2006, he fought Librado Andrade for a chance to challenge for the WBC Super Middleweight title. Grant's team stopped the fight in the 8th round. After this, Grant decided it was time to retire from boxing. He said he wanted to "bow out gracefully."
Life Outside the Ring
Education and Learning
Otis Grant went to Vanier College and later Concordia University. He earned a degree in recreation and leisure studies. He is one of Concordia University's well-known former students.
Car Accident and Recovery
In June 1999, Grant was driving when he saw a car coming towards him in the wrong lane. He swerved to protect his passengers, taking the full impact on his side. His passengers, including another boxer and a young child, were mostly unharmed. Grant, however, was seriously injured.
He went into a coma for seven days. He also broke five ribs, punctured a lung, and shattered a shoulder blade. Doctors told him he would likely never box again. But Grant proved them wrong. He made his comeback in 2003 and won his first fight back.
Helping the Community
Otis Grant wanted to use his name to help others. In 1999, he started the Otis Grant & Friends foundation. This charity helps people in need. They provide food, clothes, and medicine across Canada.
The foundation also helps children go to summer camps. They support students with special needs in high school. They even give scholarships to students going to college. Grant also works as a teacher's assistant and counselor. He helps students with special needs at a local high school. He is currently a coordinator at Riverdale High School's community learning center.
For all his work, Otis Grant was named the 2007 Concordia Alumnus of the Year.
Future Plans and Family
Otis Grant and his brother, Howard Grant, own a boxing gym in Montreal. It's called Grant Brothers Boxing. There, Otis coaches and helps manage boxing events. He is also involved with two boxing brands, Grant Boxing and GBB.
Otis Grant is married to Betty Mullins. They have two children, Alexandria and Andrew. They live with their family in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Professional Boxing Record Summary
Otis Grant had a successful professional boxing career. He fought 42 times, winning 38 of those fights. He won 17 fights by knockout. He had 3 losses and 1 draw.
See also
- List of middleweight boxing champions
