Clifford Etienne Boxer Date of Birth: 09.03.1972 Country: USA

Biography of Clifford Etienne

Clifford Etienne, also known as "Black Rhyno," was born on March 9, 1972, in Louisiana, and grew up in New Iberia. In his younger years, boxing was not Etienne's main interest; he excelled in American football and basketball. His football career was so impressive that he was invited to play for top school teams, and at the age of 17, it seemed like he was on the path to a brilliant future as both a student and an athlete.

Unfortunately, his dreams were shattered when Etienne was accused of armed robbery and sentenced to forty years in prison in Louisiana. However, his perspective on life gradually changed for the better while serving his sentence. In prison, Etienne took up boxing and once again achieved high sporting success. The Louisiana Boxing Association organized boxing matches between inmates from different colonies, and Etienne participated in these fights, winning 30 victories without ever experiencing defeat.

After ten years, Etienne was released from prison early, and a new meaning in life emerged for him - boxing. At the age of 26, he stepped into the professional ring for the first time on December 3, 1998. His debut was very successful, defeating John Randall in just 31 seconds. From the beginning of his professional career, Etienne attracted the attention of all boxing enthusiasts in the South with his fighting style. In the same year, he easily defeated Abdul Muhaymin by delivering 800 punches in 8 rounds.

With his consistent performances, Clifford Etienne quickly made a name for himself. His goal was to become a leader in the heavyweight division, and he stopped at nothing to achieve it. 1997 was a truly busy year for Etienne, as he fought in 10 bouts, 7 of which ended in knockouts. Boxing did not hinder Etienne from pursuing his personal life, and he married the day after his latest professional fight. Despite starting a family, Clifford Etienne continued to be a boxer, and immediately after his honeymoon, he was back in the boxing gym, preparing for his next fights.

In a short period of time, Etienne managed to defeat some of the best heavyweights, including the undefeated (at the time) Lamon Brewster and Lawrence Clay-Bey, Joey Guy, and Cliff Couser. Brewster was considered the clear favorite in the fight, being a three-time USA champion, but this did not intimidate Etienne. After 10 rounds, the judges unanimously declared Etienne the winner. Etienne claimed the IBA belt from Joe Guy and took the NABF belt from Cliff Couser, both victories ending in a knockout in the third round.

Etienne's fight against Lawrence Clay-Bey was the most important in his career as it determined his contract with Showtime. He maintained composure throughout the fight and celebrated a victory by points. The bout was named the "Best Fight in the Heavyweight Division of 2000" by Ring magazine, and Etienne himself was named the "Most Exciting Boxer of 2000" by the same publication.

Despite his dedication to boxing, Etienne remained a model family man. In the same year, his daughter was born, and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His parents, sister, and wife were always by his side, providing support in the most difficult situations. Etienne's ultimate dream is to become the absolute world champion and, after retiring, dedicate all his time to his children and be an example for them.

Looking at Clifford 'Black Rhino' Etienne's family and his current life, it can be said that he may not become an absolute champion, but he is already a winner!