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Exclusive Interview with Light Heavyweight Title Contender
Otis Griffin – 19 Fights 16 Wins 2 Draws and 1 Loss 5 Wins by Stoppage
12 Rounds with Otis Griffin
1) You were on the wrong side of a split decision in your only defeat, the first fight of your career, also a couple of draws since, do you think the current way of scoring boxing by using the 3 judges is fair, as there have been a lot of terrible decisions recently, what would you do to change it ?
After a Split Decision loss and 2 Draws I would change only one thing about boxing; no 4 round fights. Anyone can look good for 4rounds and it makes a fight very hard to score. There’s not enough time to out class your opponent. Matches should be 8rounds and up!
2) You face unbeaten Mike Nevitt in your next bout on the 20th April, if you win will you be hoping for a title shot, or do you need a few more fights under your belt first ?
After beating Mike Nevitt I’m ready for a World Title shot! I’m sharp: bigger, faster and stronger than anyone in the Light Heavyweight top 10 and I’m willing to fight at a guys front door step if need be.
3) You have had only 5 knockouts in your career so far, do you worry that once you reach the next step you are going to have to do it the hard way and grind out 12 round wins ?
I have only five Knockouts, but have really good one punch power. Some of my fights have been very even. Once I dropped Nelson Zepada on ESPN and during the count someone entered the ring and allowed him to recover.
Another time in Arizona my opponent’s Chief step in the ring to throw in the towel causing it to be a Disqualification and not TKO. Against Richard Paige I had him out on his feet in the 2nd round; I went to pull the trigger and tore my peck muscle. I had to fight him to an 8UD.
4) You have had some great wins in your professional career, which fight stands out to as your best performance and best win ?
My best showing was in my last fight against Marcus Purnell. It was a shut out against a good fighter with a deep amateur career.
5) Which moment of your boxing career amateur and professional are you most proud of ?
My most proud moment of my career was winning De La Hoya’s “Next Great Champ”; I met and visited with my childhood hero’s everyday and won the show after starting my career as a: Pro football player, 9 amateur fights and a loss in my Pro debut.
6) If you were offered a million pounds cash in hand or a title shot against the opponent of your choice and the venue of your choice, which would you take, if the fight who would be your opponent and where ?
I would want to fight Chad Dawson for the WBC Light Heavyweight Title. My venue of choice would be the MGM. This fight would be two of the best Light Heavyweight’s of the new era matched up for the green strap.
7) What is you favourite fight you have been involved in ?
My favourite fight I’ve been in was my 2nd round TKO of J.J. McAllister. I hit him with a perfect right hand. He slide across the ring and jump to his feet. He stood for like two seconds and melted to the floor. If you haven’t seen it visit wwwotisgriffin.net.
Who do you think is the best pound for pound boxer around today ?
In my opinion James Toney is the best Pound for Pound fighter of this day. Go to Boxrec.com and look at his list of opponents and Titles held from Middleweight – Heavyweight; also the time periods w/o a loss. The verdict is still out on Floyd Mayweather Jr.
9) The contender series USA v UK is already being planned for next year, if asked would you like to be a part of it, or do you feel you have past this level ?
Yes! I’m pass the reality TV. level at this stage of my career. I think I’ve almost represented what the two reality shows set out to do. Have a winner go on and become World Champion. VH1 has offered to have another reality show with me as the subject. The show would follow me day to day and fight by fight until I become “The Next Great”; I haven’t had time to answer. I’ve learned that Boxing is simple if you just train and stay away from the drug “FAMOUS”.
10) When you retire how would you like people to remember you ?
Lou Duva is the toughest guy I’ve been in the ring with. The guy is almost 90 and has more energy than a prime Boxer. He still claims stairs and talks a mile a minute. Also he’s a fountain of information.
11) Who is the toughest guy you have ever been in a ring with ?
When my career is over the boxing world will remember a guy who no one seen coming on the radar. A guy who talked by beating up on people with his fist and went out of his way to make the best fight the best in his division. I’ll be remembered as a Christian and a “blue-collar boxer”; and most of all World Champion.
12) Which Boxer has inspired you the most in your career ?
I’ve most been inspired by the “Brown Bomber” Joe Louis. His work rate and faith in himself. He also carried himself well outside the ring , and inside the ring he was well polished and took pride in the science.
Thanks again, take care and good luck with your upcoming fight
Again thanks for having me John!
God bless you and your staff and I’ll see you all at the MGM for Griffin/Dawson WBC LHW title!!!!
Thanks, “The Next Great”, Otis Griffin
