Prizefighter Griffin

8 February 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Boxing veteran Paul Griffin wants to revisit his youth by winning Prizefighter as a 40 year old.

Griffin, who excelled in the three round tournament format of the amateurs as a successful youngster, believes his unpaid pedigree could help him win the tournament that proved the launch pad for Martin Rogan and Willie Caseys success.

The evasive pro believes the unique and popular Prizefighter is very similar to the amateur competitions he so regular won nearly two decades ago, and stressed he would love a chance to get to grips with three round, three fight tournament, not to mention the substantial winners cheque.

The two time gold European gold medallist and former world number two came back from a three year lay off with a bang in City West late last month, registering a 46 second knock out win.

Buoyed by that victory the popular 29 fight veteran is no longer following the one fight at a time mantra and has set some targets. Griffin, who seems to be revelling in his return to the boxing scene, is trying to get on the Willie Casey v Guillermo Rigondeaux card and would love a Prizefighter tilt.

I would really love to get on one of the Prizefighters, Griffin said after his latest win. Prizefighter is right up my street especially the three round format. I would be hard to beat over three rounds so I would be in with a chance. They are due a lightweight one soon and they have Prizefighter regular. I am hopeful that will happen down the line, but we will see were we go from here. Nothing set in stone yet. I am hoping to get on to Willie Caseys show too, but that is proving difficult every fighter wants on that, he added before reflecting on his most recent victory and his return to the pro game.

I am not getting carried away with the knock out win. I dont think my opponent was that great. In saying that his only two defeats came against unbeaten opponents. I enjoyed the fight and the build up. I dont think there is any pressure on me now. I think I have done my bit for Irish boxing. I am also hitting a little harder at lightweight. I wasnt starving going into the weigh in for the first time in my life. I prepared right and I enjoyed training. I am still sharp the hand speed is still there and some power coming in at this weight.