Montell Griffin

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Montell Julian Griffin (born June 6, 1970 in Chicago) is an American boxer. He is best known for his two bouts at Light Heavyweight with Roy Jones Jr.

[edit] Professional career

Griffin, nicknamed "Ice", began his pro career in 1993. He rose to fame when he defeated James Toney twice by decision in 1995 and 1996. After his 1996 win over Toney, Griffin landed a shot at WBC Light Heavyweight Title holder Jones. Griffin handed Jones his first professional defeat. But the defeat was also filled with controversy. A frustrated Jones dropped Griffin with a series of hard and fast, head and body punches in round nine, and then hit him again twice on the head as Griffin was down on the canvas on his knees, leading to Jones's disqualification. They had an immediate rematch, and on August 21, Jones regained the World Light Heavyweight Title by devastatingly knocking out Griffin in the first round. Since the loss to Jones, Griffin has remained at light heavyweight but has yet to regain a major title. Griffin has since dropped major fights to Eric Harding, Dariusz Michalczewski, Antonio Tarver, Rico Hoye, and Julio Gonzalez.

[edit] Amateur career

Griffin compiled an amateur record of 36-5. He won the 1992 United States Amateur Light Heavyweight title, defeating future Heavyweight champion John Ruiz on points on the way.

At the 1992 Olympic Trials in Worcester, Massachusetts, Griffin was outpointed in the final by Jeremy Williams. However, at the Olympic Box-offs he outpointed Williams twice, to earn an Olympic bid at Light Heavyweight. His Olympic results were: