Promoter Joe DeGuardia of Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing has inked former light heavyweight champion Montell “Ice” Griffin, 47-6 (30 KOs), to a promotional contract. In his impressive 12-year career, the 35-year-old Griffin was the first to score a victory over Roy Jones Jr. (via DQ 9) and holds a pair of wins over James “Lights Out” Toney. He remains a serious threat in the 175-lb class, dropping a pair of controversial IBF title elimination fights to Rico Hoye (hotly disputed decision) and Julio Gonzalez (TD 6, due to a head butt) in the past fifteen months.

 

In 2003, Griffin lost a 12-round decision to fellow Roy Jones conqueror and world champion Antonio Tarver. “Montell is one of the craftiest veterans in the game today,” said DeGuardia. “He’s had some hard luck in the past with decisions, but he still has the ability to capture one of the other light heavyweight championships.” DeGuardia has been called the master of the light heavyweight division, in addition to Tarver, he promoted former WBA champion Lou Del Valle and top contender David Telesco. Incidentally, with the addition of Griffin to his stable, DeGuardia now promotes two of the three men to hold victories over Roy Jones Jr. 

 

Griffin is currently rated #10 in the world by the IBF and DeGuardia is seeking a national title fight for him in February. Griffin is the second major signing announced by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing in two days. Yesterday, the New York-based company revealed they have reached an agreement to promote former world champion Derrick “Smoke” Gainer.

For more information about Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, please visit our website at www.starboxing.com.