By: Sean Crose
It’s lengthy been seen as one in every of boxing’s true glamor divisions – and with good motive. For Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Marlon Starling and seemingly numerous different greats have risen to grasp the welterweight realm. Now 31 yr outdated Tennessee native Avious Griffin is trying to make his mark at welterweight. He’ll be highlighting Boxing Insider’s February twentieth card at Manhattan’s Sony Corridor by taking over Jose Luis Sanchez for the WBC USA welterweight title. The battle between the 16-0 Griffin and the 14-4-1 Sanchez shall be scheduled for 10 rounds.
Sanchez will certainly have his work minimize out for him if he desires to attain the upset win in Instances Sq. simply over per week from now. For starters, Griffin will enter the ring with at the least a 4 inch top benefit. After which there’s the matter of Griffin’s excellent document. All however one in every of Griffin’s fights have ended throughout the distance. Sanchez has solely been stopped throughout the distance as soon as, however he doesn’t appear to have a lot punching energy of his personal. Certainly, solely 4 of Sanchez’ 14 victories have come earlier than the ultimate bell had been sounded.
There’s a motive Griffin is seen as a possible rising star. Not solely does he possess battle ending energy, Griffin additionally has a colourful, tragic backstory. He did time for a criminal offense he didn’t commit, in any case. He additionally misplaced his father, who died whereas his son tried speeding him to the hospital. Although he misplaced his freedom in addition to his inspiration, Griffin determined he wasn’t going to be swallowed alive by occasions past his management. Therefore Griffin’s nickname: “The Underdog.” Ought to he proceed alongside his present profession trajectory, although, he received’t be seen as an underdog for much longer.
With all that being mentioned, it’s greater than seemingly that Albuquerque native Sanchez isn’t making the journey to New York Metropolis within the lifeless of winter merely to gather a paycheck. It is a big alternative for the 32 yr outdated to show his profession round. Certainly his final battle noticed Sanchez lose to Santiago Dominguez again in March. A win over a crimson sizzling Griffin would increase a whole lot of eyebrows in all the best methods for Sanchez. Once more, although, besting Griffin shall be no straightforward process. All Griffin has to do is land and land exhausting. A frightening problem if ever there was one.
