TalkingBoxing Interviews
Talking Boxing with OTIS GRIFFIN
SAT June 18, JASON PECK - Otis Griffin no longer finds himself in the television spotlight and the winner of "The Next Great Champ" is now beginning the toughest part of his career. "I’ve been doing very well, said Griffin, who fights on the upcoming Bernard Hopkins PPV in July. "I have the best trainer in the world, Nasare Niavaroni and the best promotional company, Golden Boy."
Since that fateful day when Otis went to Los Angeles to try-out for the show, the young prospect believes the Big man upstairs has been with him through his journey.
"My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is my direction in life and even my foundation in boxing. He allows me to cross those ropes with confidence even when I’m the underdog," Griffin said.
TalkingBoxing's Jason Peck caught up with Otis to discuss his last fight, "The Next Great Champ" and also his unanimous decision win over David Pajera.
Jason Peck: How did you get into boxing?
Otis Griffin: I got started in boxing in about 2002 after I retired from the arena football league. I had become a California correctional officer and wanted to stay in good condition. Nas Niavaroni, the owner of Kickboxing, Inc. in Rosevilla, CA threw me right into the fire after six faithful months and I became a moving punching bag for a list of local pros: Eric Regan, Mike Simms, Chris Cruz, and Gilbert Zaragoza. This went on for about three years.
Jason Peck: You rose to fame in a manner that most other fighters don't. How does it feel to have your calling card be a reality show?
Otis Griffin: Getting fame from a reality show in a sport like boxing has its ups and downs. You become a househole name, but a lot of people think your skills are just smoke and mirrors.
Jason Peck: What are your thoughts on the show's cancellation?
Otis Griffin: I hoped that 'The Next Great Champ' would have come back for another season. It’s a great opportunity for young fighters coming up in the game; it changed my life! I hear 'The Contender' still has a chance and that’s great for boxing.
Jason Peck: How did you get involved in this TV show?
Otis Griffin: How I got on 'The Next Great Champ' was through the grace of God! Fox had gone through thousands of guys and someone asked Don Chagrin if he knew any young fighters with limited experience. The next day I was in L.A.
Jason Peck: What kind of experience in boxing did you have before the show started?
Otis Griffin: When I say limited experience that’s an understatement (laughs). I was 9-1 (8 KO'S) as an amateur but I had the toughest sparring partners around the world; these guys had been around the game for ten years each at least. So if I saw them do something I liked, I would add it to my bag of tricks. I also had been watching all the great fights on tape over and over: Holyfield, Quawi Muhammad, James Toney, Hopkins, De La Hoya, Larry Holmes, etc.. All guys with some physical feature in common with me, and this grew my boxing IQ.
Jason Peck: When you won on "The Next Great Champ" you made a lot of religious references like "Jesus won" and "you can't stop God's plan." Does faith play a role in your career?
Otis Griffin: My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is my direction in life and even my foundation in boxing. He allows me to cross those ropes with confidence even when I’m the underdog; I know he’s going to throw every combo. When I lost, my brother Andre it took so much out of me. The only person I could lean on was God, and we’ve been road dogs ever since.
Jason Peck: David Pareja claims that he won the fight and says that the two of you ought to have a rematch. What are your comments on that?
Otis Griffin: The Dave Pareja rematch can happen if the money is right, but otherwise its not a worry for me. Each judge gave me every round in a 6-round fight: Dave wake up!
Jason Peck: Let's get off the topic of TV. How has your professional career been since the show?
Otis Griffin: My pro career since the show has been a real blessing: 4 fights, 3 KO’s and one phantasmagoria draw. I’ve been doing very well. I have the best trainer in the world, Nasare Niavaroni and the best promotional company, Golden Boy. And I’m the WBO light heavyweight Eight Round title-holder. Plus, with God on my side who can be against me?
Jason Peck: What happened in your last fight?
Otis Griffin: In my last fight I fought a very game opponent in Moses Matovu, and no disrespect intended, but I did what I wanted to do with him. My plan was to show the boxing world that I don’t just depend on a big right hand; I can box a little. It was a four rounder and I wanted it to go the distance so I could get some work. I forgot Rule Number 1: Never leave it in the judge’s hands. That’s the life and you know you can’t cry over spilled milk, just charge it to the game (laughs) So now the Pretty Boy Floyd act has left the big top, and I’m just going to run over everybody!
Jason Peck: And what are you planning for the future?
Otis Griffin: Next for me is the under-card of Hopkins vs. Taylor, and I’m training to give my fans a lasting impression. After that I would like to fight Sergio Mora at a catch weight, and of course I am looking forward to a showdown sooner than later with Zsolt Erdei.
Jason Peck: In closing, what should the fans know about Otis Griffin?
Otis Griffin: The whole boxing world should know I will not rest until I’m the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world. This is Acts 9:15: “And it will come to pass..”
Jason Peck: What do you dream of doing in boxing?
Otis Griffin: My dream and reality is to become one of the best that has ever done it...
