Montell Griffin

Last updated
Montell Griffin
Born
Montell Julian Griffin

(1970-06-06) June 6, 1970 (age 54)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesIce
Statistics
Weight(s) Light heavyweight
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Reach70 in (178 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights59
Wins50
Wins by KO30
Losses8
Draws1

Montell Julian Griffin (born June 6, 1970) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2011. He held the World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight title in 1997. At regional level, he held multiple light heavyweight championships, including the NABF title twice between 1996 and 2003; and the USBA title from 2006 to 2007.

Contents

Early life

Montell Griffin was born June 6, 1970, in Chicago. By age 22, Griffin was living in Midway City, California and defeated Frank Vassar of Spokane, Washington in the 1992 U.S. Amateur Boxing Championships. He defeated future heavyweight contender Jeremy Williams at the box-offs, to make the 1992 Olympic team. [1]

Amateur career

Griffin compiled an amateur record of 36-5. He won the 1992 United States Amateur Light Heavyweight title.

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:

Professional career

Griffin, nicknamed "Ice," began his pro career in 1993. He rose to prominence when he defeated James Toney twice by controversial decisions in 1995 and 1996. The second victory over Toney earned Griffin a lucrative bout against WBC champion Roy Jones Jr.

Griffin vs. Jones Jr.

After his 1996 win over Toney, Griffin landed a shot at WBC light-heavyweight title holder Roy Jones Jr. Griffin handed Jones his first professional defeat via a disqualification. 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 after Griffin had taken a knee on the canvas, leading to Jones's disqualification. They had an immediate rematch, and on August 21, Jones regained the WBC title by knocking out Griffin in the first round.

Rebuilding

After the loss to Jones, Griffin remained a top-ranked light-heavyweight for six years. He won 11 of his next 12 bouts, losing only a controversial split decision to undefeated but unknown southpaw Eric Harding, despite knocking him down and out-landing him according to punchstats.

Griffin vs. Michalczewski

Four consecutive knockout wins later, the now 38-2 Griffin squared off against 40-0 Lineal/WBO champion, Dariusz Michalczewski in Germany. The 29-year-old Griffin won the first three rounds on the cards but was cut by the 31-year-old Michalczewski's jab in the second round. In the fourth, Griffin was twice staggered, and took 14 unanswered shots to the head and gloves, which forced referee Joe Cortez to stop the bout.

Griffin vs. Tarver

After defeating Derrick Harmon and George Khalid Jones by unanimous decisions, Griffin earned a shot at the vacant WBC/IBF titles against Antonio Tarver in 2003, losing a wide decision. [2]

Later career

Now in his mid-thirties, a faded Griffin would go on to lose to Rico Hoye by split decision, Julio César González when the bout was stopped in the early goings on a technicality and sent to the scorecards, and Glen Johnson by TKO 11; all three were IBF eliminators. He also lost on points to Beibut Shumenov

Griffin compiled a very respectable resume over the course of his career: he has two wins over James Toney, a disqualification wins over Roy Jones Jr., and wins over contenders Ka-Dy King, Ray Lathon, Randall Yonker, Derrick Harmon and George Khalid Jones.

Professional boxing record

59 fights50 wins8 losses
By knockout303
By decision195
By disqualification10
Draws1
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
59Win50–8–1 DeAndrey Abron UD8Aug 19, 2011Horseshoe, Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
58Draw49–8–1Ross ThompsonSD10May 29, 2010 Horseshoe, Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
57Loss49–8 Beibut Shumenov UD12Aug 2, 2008Stadium Khadjimukan, Shymkent, KazakhstanFor vacant WBC–ABCO and WBO Asia Pacific light heavyweight titles
56Win49–7Cory CummingsUD10Jun 20, 2008 Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
55Loss48–7 Glen Johnson TKO11 (12), 2:38May 16, 2007 Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
54Win48–6Norman JonesUD12Mar 31, 2006 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.Won vacant USBA light heavyweight title
53Loss47–6 Julio César González TD6 (12), 1:11May 5, 2005Spa Resort Casino, Palm Springs, California, U.S.Majority TD after González was cut from an accidental head clash
52Win47–5Sam ReeseUD10Feb 3, 2005 HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, U.S.
51Loss46–5 Rico Hoye SD12Sep 16, 2004 Kewadin Casino, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, U.S.Won IBA Continental light heavyweight title
50Win46–4Thomas ReidUD10Jun 17, 2004 Harrah's, Laughlin, Nevada, U.S.
49Win45–4Willard LewisRTD4 (10), 3:00May 22, 2004 Warnors Theatre, Fresno, California, U.S.
48Loss44–4 Antonio Tarver UD12 Apr 26, 2003 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.For vacant WBC and IBF light heavyweight titles
47Win44–3George Khalid JonesUD12Nov 3, 2002Table Mountain Rancheria, Friant, California, U.S.Won vacant WBC Continental Americas and NABF light heavyweight titles
46Win43–3Derrick HarmonUD12Jul 21, 2002 Table Mountain Casino, Friant, California, U.S.Won WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title
45Win42–3George KlinesmithTKO1 (10), 1:29Feb 17, 2002 Stardust Resort and Casino, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
44Win41–3Jesus RuizTD10 (10)May 12, 2001 Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California, U.S.Split TD after an accidental head clash
43Win40–3Ed DaltonTKO6 (12), 2:16Mar 9, 2001 Hilton, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title
42Win39–3Jose Luis RiveraUD12Apr 22, 2000 Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou, ChinaWon vacant IBC light heavyweight title
41Loss38–3 Dariusz Michalczewski TKO4 (12), 2:59Aug 28, 1999 Stadthalle, Bremen, GermanyFor WBO light heavyweight title
40Win38–2Tim CooperTKO3 (10), 2:25Jun 23, 1999Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.
39Win37–2Danny ThomasTKO5 (10), 1:39May 25, 199950 Yard Line Bar and Grille, Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
38Win36–2Randall YonkerKO3 (10)Feb 26, 1999 Sho-Ka-Wah Casino, Hopland, California, U.S.
37Win35–2Availeo SlateTKO2 (10), 1:53Jan 26, 199950 Yard Line Bar and Grille, Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
36Loss34–2 Eric Harding SD12Nov 13, 1998 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.For vacant NABF light heavyweight title
35Win34–1Eric DavisTKO6 (10), 1:10Oct 2, 1998Expo Center, Dolton, Illinois, U.S.
34Win33–1Randall YonkerTKO3 (10), 1:20Aug 22, 1998Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.
33Win32–1Karl WillisTKO3 (10), 2:59Jun 3, 1998Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Worley, Idaho, U.S.
32Win31–1Kenny LopezTKO9 (10) Mar 28, 1998 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
31Win30–1Thomas ReidUD10Feb 27, 1998The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
30Win29–1Jesus CastanedaTKO8 (10), 2:48Dec 26, 1997The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
29Win28–1Vinson DurhamUD10Nov 29, 1997 The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
28Loss27–1 Roy Jones Jr. KO1 (12), 2:31 Aug 7, 1997 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Lost WBC light heavyweight title
27Win27–0 Roy Jones Jr. DQ9 (12), 2:27 Mar 21, 1997 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Won WBC light heavyweight title;
Jones Jr. disqualified for hitting Griffin after a knockdown
26Win26–0 James Toney UD12Dec 6, 1996 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Won WBU light heavyweight title
25Win25–0Russell MitchellTKO1 (10), 2:08Oct 18, 1996Expo Center, Dolton, Illinois, U.S.
24Win24–0Melvin WynnTKO2 (10)Aug 28, 1996Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Worley, Idaho, U.S.
23Win23–0Matthew CharlestonTKO11 (12), 2:14 Jul 11, 1996 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Won vacant NABF light heavyweight title
22Win22–0Charles ScottTKO4 (10) May 10, 1996 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
21Win21–0Tony GoldenKO2 (10), 1:40Mar 29, 1996Expo Center, Dolton, Illinois, U.S.
20Win20–0William ClaytonKO1 (10), 1:31Jan 26, 1996Expo Center, Dolton, Illinois, U.S.
19Win19–0Ray WebbTKO6 (10)Nov 29, 1995 Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre, London, England
18Win18–0John MitchellTKO2 (10) Oct 7, 1995 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
17Win17–0Hunter ClayKO6Sep 14, 1995 Battersea Town Hall, London, England
16Win16–0 Tony Booth TKO2 (10)Jun 4, 1995 York Hall, London, England
15Win15–0 James Toney MD12 Feb 18, 1995 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title
14Win14–0Ray LathonUD12Sep 12, 1994Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
13Win13–0David VedderUD10May 23, 1994 Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
12Win12–0Terry CollierTKO6Apr 26, 1994 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
11Win11–0Steve BrewerTKO2Jan 18, 1994 Civic Auditorium, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
10Win10–0Terrence WrightTKO6 (8)Dec 6, 1993 Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.
9Win9–0Terry CollierPTS8Nov 19, 1993Union Hall, Countryside, Illinois, U.S.
8Win8–0Bobby MackPTS6Sep 24, 1993 National Basketball Arena, Dublin, Ireland
7Win7–0Ka-Dy KingUD6Aug 27, 1993 Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
6Win6–0Mike GarciaTKO3 (6)Aug 13, 1993 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
5Win5–0Ron StringerTKO3Jun 25, 1993Union Hall, Countryside, Illinois, U.S.
4Win4–0Donnie PeneltonUD6Apr 26, 1993 Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.
3Win3–0Randy McGaughKO2Apr 16, 1993 Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
2Win2–0Calvin PuckettTKO2 (6)Mar 13, 1993 High School, Aurora, Illinois, U.S.
1Win1–0Jose Luis OrnelasTKO2Feb 16, 1993 McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado, U.S.

Hall of Fame

With a record of 50-8 during his historic boxing career, Montell “Ice” Griffin was inducted into the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame Class of ‘22 in October 2022, in Rochester, New York. [3]

References

  1. "Amateur Boxing Colorado Springs, Colorado". AP Online . February 25, 1992.
  2. Bill Luppert (26 April 2003). "Tarver Captures WBC/IBF Belts". boxing-pics.com. Fight News. Archived from the original on 3 June 2003. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  3. Phillips, Joseph (2022-10-28). "Chicago's Montell "Ice" Griffin inducted into Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame" . Retrieved 2024-07-19.
Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Terry McGroom
U.S. light heavyweight champion
1991
Next:
Antonio Tarver
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Dariusz Michalczewski
IBF Inter-Continental
light heavyweight champion

February 18, 1995 – July 1996
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Billy Lewis
Vacant
Title last held by
Merqui Sosa
NABF light heavyweight champion
July 11, 1996 – December 1996
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Michael Nunn
Vacant
Title last held by
Derrick Harmon
WBC Continental Americas
light heavyweight champion

March 9, 2001 – May 2001
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Arturo Rivera
Preceded by
Derrick Harmon
WBC Continental Americas
light heavyweight champion

July 21, 2002 – October 2002
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Arturo Rivera
Vacant
Title last held by
Arturo Rivera
WBC Continental Americas
light heavyweight champion

November 3, 2002 – April 26, 2003
Lost bid for world title
Vacant
Title next held by
Donnell Wiggins
Vacant
Title last held by
Antonio Tarver
NABF light heavyweight champion
November 3, 2002 – April 2003
Vacated
Vacant
Title last held by
George Khalid Jones
USBA light heavyweight champion
March 31, 2006 – May 16, 2007
Lost eliminator for IBF title
Vacant
Title next held by
Tavoris Cloud
Minor world boxing titles
Preceded by WBU light heavyweight champion
December 6, 1996 – March 1997
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Frank Tate
Vacant
Title last held by
Salvatore Di Salvatore
IBC light heavyweight champion
April 22, 2000 – March 2001
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Etienne Whitaker
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by WBC light heavyweight champion
Mar 21, 1997August 7, 1997
Succeeded by
Roy Jones Jr.