“I’m in the best shape of my life. My last few losses have been complete robberies. I am not only ready for Glen Johnson, I’m ready for a rematch against Antonio Tarver. Antonio’s scared of me, he knows I can take him out.”
03.02.05 – Interview by The Brown Bomber: In an exclusive ESB interview on the eve of what appears to be a simple warm-up match against Sam Reesse (16-11-4), the former WBC & IBF light heavy weight champion says he’s ready for the best. With stunning victories early in his carrier against the likes of James Toney, Ray Lathon, and Roy Jones Jr., we ask the question does Montel Griffin still have a chance at a Light Heavy Weight title?
BB-With less than 5 months since your last fight against Rico Hoye which resulted in a split decision loss for you, why fight in February of 2005?
MG- Look, I was supposed to fight in December of 04. I was robbed against Rico Hoye. Anyone who saw that fight knows I whooped him. The same goes for Tarver. I had him, and the judges saved him.
BB- You’ve done well against south paw’s. Your loss against Eric Harding was close. Eric fought against Glen Johnson in 2003, would a rematch against Eric be in the future to prove you’re contention towards a title fight against Glen Johnson?
MG- Eric isn’t even in my class. I’m ready for Glen Johnson right now. I’m in the best shape of my life. My last few losses have been complete robberies. I am not only ready for Glen Johnson; I’m ready for a rematch against Antonio Tarver. Antonio’s scared of me; he knows I can take him out so he’ going to keep running. Glen Johnson’s good. He has a lot of experience and a match against me is going to really test him.
BB- We spoke to Charles “Show Boat” Davis today. He holds the WBC Latino Heavy Weight Title. He said that he would like to fight you on his road to a match against Glen Johnson. Would you be willing to fight him at 175?
MG- Who is Charles Davis? I fought some of the best fighters in the world. When it is all said and done I’ll be in the hall of fame. What can he say? Does any body know who he is? That is all I have to say.
BB- What will see from you in your match against Sam Reese? A boxing lesson?
MG- Your going to see me in top form. I’m ready for a title and it will show.
Well at the age of 34 Montel Griffin is on the top of the experience ladder. With a plethora of rejuvenated boxers well in thier 30’s like Glen Johnson it seems as though this is the era for older boxers. The only question is will Montel be able to focus, train, and fight like he did in his 20’s. Tomorrow will only be the beginning chapter. I for one would need to see what he does against a Clinton Woods (36-3-1), who in fact will be fighting Rico Hoye in March. You may remember Rico beat Griffin in September of 04.