Montell Griffin American professional boxer Date of Birth: 06.06.1970 Country: USA

1. Montell Griffin: A Controversial Heavyweight Boxer
2. Contentious Victories over James Tony
3. Title Fight against Roy Jones Jr.
4. Controversial Disqualification and Aftermath

Montell Griffin: A Controversial Heavyweight Boxer

American professional boxer Montell Griffin made his debut in the light heavyweight division in February 1993. He rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with a series of disputed wins.

Contentious Victories over James Tony

In February 1995, Griffin faced former two-weight world champion James Tony. Despite Tony's slight advantage, judges controversially awarded Griffin the majority decision victory. The second bout between the two fighters in December 1996 also ended in Griffin's favor, with another unanimous decision that was widely disputed.

Title Fight against Roy Jones Jr.

In March 1997, Griffin fought undefeated WBC light heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr. In the seventh round, Jones landed a right hook followed by a left hook to the jaw, sending Griffin to the canvas. Griffin rose immediately, but the referee ruled it a knockdown, which Griffin contested.

Later in the ninth round, Jones delivered two right hooks to Griffin's head, causing him to stumble. Jones followed with another right hook and a left hook, driving Griffin towards the ropes. A final right hook sent Griffin down onto one knee. As Jones continued to attack, he failed to notice that Griffin was on the ground and delivered a final right hook and left hook to his head. Griffin collapsed, and the referee counted him out.

Controversial Disqualification and Aftermath

Confusion ensued as Jones' corner celebrated the victory, only to be informed that Jones was being disqualified for continuing to attack after Griffin had gone down. In a post-fight interview, Jones claimed that he believed Griffin had deliberately taken a low dive and that the referee's inaction constituted a lack of knockdown. The referee maintained that he had intervened promptly and that Jones should have stopped his attack upon Griffin's fall. Griffin stated that he had been knocked down by a heavy blow and was unable to continue.