Paul Griffin: The Pro Years - Part 1

We love Paul Griffin here at The Rocky Road. He's been on twice before - for the 30th anniversary of his epic 1991 European gold medal, and 30 years on from Barcelona 92, alongside medallists Michael Carruth and Wayne McCullough. Now he joins us for a deep dive on his 15-year professional career across a two-part episode. He started out under Frank Warren on a 'Prince' Naseem Hamed card in Scotland, going on to train in Sheffield with the world featherweight champ under fellow Dubliner Brendan Ingle. Paul tells us about sparring Hamed and feeling his frightening power, boxing on Steve Collins undercards at Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Millstreet alongside contemporaries Eamonn Magee and Jim Rock, and building an unbeaten record that would ultimately be popped in a do-or-die title fight with Dean Pithie in England. By that stage, Paul was battling inside and outside of the ropes as his addictions to gambling and alcohol started to take hold. As always, spending time with Paul is fun, cathartic and informative. His recollection is superb so enjoy as he walks you through the 90s boxing scene. Stay tuned for Part 2 as Paul heads Down Under to spearhead the Irish boxing revolution in Australia that ended up with the likes of Dennis Hogan and TJ Doheny reaching the top. 

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