12 Rounds with Otis Griffin Author: John Tandy

Fights:27 Wins:19 Loss:6 Draws:2 N/C:0

1. You have had a tough time of late and had a bit of a shock last time out against unbeaten Marcus Oliveria when you were knocked out for the first time in your career, what went wrong?

Credit is due to Marcus for stepping up and fighting me. It’s a huge win for him. It was just one of those nights in an athlete's life; I hadn't been the same mentally since the Lacy fight. The lost took the wind out of me. I had also lost yet another family member to death; that made the total 5 in the last three years. It has been tough times even for someone who is as focused as me. Marcus on the other hand was ready to fight for his life!

2. So what’s next for Team Griffin?

When Talon Boxing is ready we will dive back in. A loss is part of the game. I proved against Jeff Lacy I'm a top fighter. We plan to get in the mix at SMW.

3. You are obviously a lot better than your record suggests, what ambitions do you still have in the sport?

I plan to fight and win a world title at SMW. The match up there with myself will make for some historical fights.

4. Regarding the Jeff Lacy fight, it must be really frustrating for you to have lost that fight, how do you feel now that the smoke has cleared and what has been the general feedback from the fans?

To be honest I feel raped! Boxing writers and fans have been kind and motivating. Even so in the back of your head you continue to ask "why"? I should be fighting Roy Jones Jr. this summer; "why" I'm I in some Mid-West casino?

5. You and your trainer John Tandy have your camps up at altitude in California, how is that going?

Camp is a joy at Arrowhead: 24 hour boxing, clean living, clean air, positive reinforcement in the house, isolation time in the gym, and relaxing "me time" at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.

6. There is a big fight tonight between Chris Henry and Shaun George, who is your pick for the fight?

I picked Shaun George Friday, but Chris is not an easy guy to fight. He can endure such a beating. Rest assure that George will be back to make a run at the title even so.

7. The light heavyweight division is wide open, how do you see things panning out in the next few months?

After Friday I see the LHW division heating up! Much like the late 70's a lot of American faces: Shaun George, Chris Henry, Dawson, Cloud, and future champion Yusaf Mack!

8. What is happening in the life of Otis Griffin at the moment?

I'm letting the body rest. The last 3 years have been rough outside the ring and inside the ropes also, but my season is changing. I have a part in a movie, a reality show on the table, and a new boxing family, Talon Boxing. Just loving on the family at the moment and reloading.

9. If you could change one thing about boxing at the moment what would it be?

Boxing needs more tourney's like the new Showtime idea. Hats off to all the warriors involved: Andre Ward, Kessler, Andre Dirrel, Abraham, Froch, J.Taylor for putting their careers on the line. By far the biggest fights sport events of the year.

10. Your stable mate Yusaf Mack is looking good and seems on track for a world title, does it help you having someone like that in camp with you?

Of course! Yusaf is a brother to me. We compete daily in camp: who ran faster in road work, ton ups, video games, etc. More important we also give honest opinions or advice on life and boxing.

11. You have had a great career with highs and lows, what in your eyes are the highest and lowest points?

My highest was the way I got introduced to boxing. The sport chose me; and it's been one hell of a ride. I've been on prime time T.V. and at award shows. I've meet other fighters and artist; some of them legends. Me and my team have been overseas and from Ga. to Ca. I only have 3 low points. I never lost to Jimmy Minch! When I fought Jesse Brinkley I was so weight drained I could barely stand. That fight I almost won with my C game, and now Jesse is doing so well at the top of the SMW division. The biggest low was the Lacy fight. One of the most unfair events in my life and I've been through a lot; read my bio.

12. Have you got anything to say to your fan base out there?

Yeah thanks to you all for standing by me and all the kind words after the Lacy fight, I will be back and I owe it to myself and all of you to reach my potential and go all the way.