How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
With less than 20 fights Griffin exploded onto the boxing scene defeating James Toney, fresh off his loss to Roy Jones, giving him only the second loss of his career. Then he went toe to toe with Roy, frustrating him and stealing rounds before bein KO'd then hit while he was down. He definately shoulda won an Oscar that night for his performance. In the rematch "Ice" got iced in one round by Jones. Despite winning another close fight against Toney, Montell really never beat any other great fighters and in recent years has been a gatekeeper at LH more than anything. He peaked early and burned out fast, but for his brief prime I think Griffin really was a great fighter. He'd give Jermaine Taylor and Joe Calzaghe, even Bernard fits IMO.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
He was and still is a great fighter he just had a vintage performance against Rico Hoye but didn't get the decision sadly.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
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Originally Posted by Starr
He was and still is a great fighter he just had a vintage performance against Rico Hoye but didn't get the decision sadly.
I know. He got screwed in that fight, but that was a couple years ago I think. If memory serves me right Badi Ajamu also got jobbed against Rico Hoye so that puts things into perspective. Griffin would have defeated Jermaine Taylor and Calzaghe in his prime IMO. The man was a short frustrating little southpaw.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
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Originally Posted by Hulk
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Originally Posted by Starr
He was and still is a great fighter he just had a vintage performance against Rico Hoye but didn't get the decision sadly.
I know. He got screwed in that fight, but that was a couple years ago I think. If memory serves me right Badi Ajamu also got jobbed against Rico Hoye so that puts things into perspective. Griffin would have defeated Jermaine Taylor and Calzaghe in his prime IMO. The man was a short frustrating little southpaw.
Yeah, if it wasn't for Roy Jones and anger he may have been undefeated
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
Heard years ago that before the Benn McClellann fight, Griffins had sparked McClellann big time in a Miami gym he was out for some time. Makes you think.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
I think he was an amazing tactical fighter, but he lacked elite athletic ability especially in the chin department.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
He was an above average fighter. Both his wins over Toney were gifts. I do agree that he beats Calzaghe.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
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Originally Posted by Violent Demise
He was an above average fighter. Both his wins over Toney were gifts. I do agree that he beats Calzaghe.
I thought Toney won the 2nd for sure but the first was no gift.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
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Originally Posted by Taeth
I think he was an amazing tactical fighter, but he lacked elite athletic ability especially in the chin department.
I agree....He wasn't a P4P fighter but...Good defensively
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
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Originally Posted by Violent Demise
He was an above average fighter. Both his wins over Toney were gifts. I do agree that he beats Calzaghe.
You must have a very high opinion of Calzaghe then. ;D I haven't seen the second fight, but the first was very close and could have gone to either man. Also let me correct myself so as not to lose any more respect amongst my fellow boxing nerds, 1. Griffin had 14 fights at the time of the first Toney fight, not 18. 2. He wasn't a southpaw, he'd switch to southpaw, but mostly fought orthodox.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
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Originally Posted by Hulk
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Originally Posted by Violent Demise
He was an above average fighter. Both his wins over Toney were gifts. I do agree that he beats Calzaghe.
You must have a very high opinion of Calzaghe then. ;D I haven't seen the second fight, but the first was very close and could have gone to either man. Also let me correct myself so as not to lose any more respect amongst my fellow boxing nerds, 1. Griffin had 14 fights at the time of the first Toney fight, not 18. 2. He wasn't a southpaw, he'd switch to southpaw, but mostly fought orthodox.
The second one should of gone to Toney without a doubt. And I don't think to highly of Calzaghe.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
I know at one time Eddie Futch was very excited by Him, but He seemed to loose his way a great technician who could punch
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
Too bad I only saw the RJJ fight,but he got sparked big time in that fight
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
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Originally Posted by Mathias
Too bad I only saw the RJJ fight,but he got sparked big time in that fight
That's cus Roy was THE MAN and he dominated Toney, and KO'd Griffin Twice. In the first fight Griffin did do pretty well for himself, till he got caught, then he took a nice little dive once Roy hit him while he was down to get the DQ win.
Re: How good was Montell "Ice" Griffin
Very skilled, no punch, but very tricky defensively. Definitely screwed in the Hoye fight but judges these days favor agression over effectiveness. Second Toney fight was definitely a gift but I had the first for Montell, and he was very good in the first RJ fight.
