May 15, 2007 (Bronx, NY) – Montell “Ice” Griffin (48-6, 30KO’s) grew up idolizing the Greatest of All-Time, Muhammad Ali. As a child, he watched Ali train at his father gym and learned to mimic his style-many people even thought Griffin was his son! Griffin’s problem? His height peaked at 5’7″. Neigh Sayers told Griffin he would never succeed, he was too short to compete as a light heavyweight. From becoming a 1992 US Olympian to becoming the first man to beat Roy Jones, Griffin’s has made a career of proving his critics wrong. Montell recalls, “Just being around Ali made you want to strive harder to reach your goals”.
On May 16th at the Hard Rock Café, Hollywood FL-once again Montell Griffin plays the underdog role when he faces the former IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Glen Johnson (44-11-2, 29KO’s) in an IBF Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator. “I may be the underdog, but Johnson will soon find out what Roy Jones Jr. and Toney knows, I am too fast and too strong to stop. Remember, Jones’ DQ loss was the result of his frustration, after Ice took more rounds off of him than he had given up in his previous 33 fights combined! “Montell still shows the fire and desire to become a champion again” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “He’s trained long and hard, and he is confident. The fight is a must win for the 2 skilled veterans.”
Griffin, currently the USBA Light Heavyweight Champion, has been a consummate professional over his spectacular 14 year career, and continues to astound critics by continuing to fight at the highest level of the sport. John Caluwaert, Griffin’s manager, describes him as, “crafty, smart, and above all a tactician. He studies his opponents, finds their vulnerabilities and exploits them.” Forty-eight of Montell’s opponents can testify-he’s one of the best in the business.
Griffin, having reached his dream of becoming a world champion, twice, is now fueled by his two beautiful children-Montell II and Bhrea. “I’ve taken lumps and bumps for the sport. Now I do it so my children can be proud that their daddy is a World Champion”. A victory over Johnson also gives Griffin a shot at redemption. “Only 2 loses on my record are legit-the rematch loss to Jones and my loss to Antonio Tarver” said Griffin. “After I beat Johnson, I’d love to get another shot at these guys and prove to the world that I’m the best light heavyweight in the business”
Outside of boxing, Griffin is also a community speaker-reaching out to young students and troubled kids in the Chicago area. Griffin, who grew up in the tough South Side of the city, is no stranger to the streets and the troubles of today’s youth. At just 12 years old Griffin’s father passed away. Distraught, he left boxing for 8 years before returning to the sport and turning pro. Montell tells children, “with all the bad influences and road blocks in life, it is possible to be a champ in whatever you want to do, just stay straight and honest to yourself.”
With just two weeks away, Montell is in peak shape and ready to send a message to the world: “To my fans, my supporters, my family, you guys are going to see the best Montell Griffin in years” said a confident Griffin. “I’ve been in training for 10-weeks, the longest of my career-I’m 120% ready. No disrespect to Johnson, he’s a tough guy, but he’s in my way.”
The Montell Griffin-Glen Johnson bout will be televised on ESPN2’s Wednesday Night Fights beginning at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT, and is presented by Seminole Warriors and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
ABOUT STAR BOXING
Star Boxing, Inc. is one of the premier boxing promotional companies in the World. Star has been promoting events and boxers for approximately 15 years. For more information of Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, call (718) 823-2000 or visit STARBOXING