[Jeff1787]

PBR news: 17th ranked heavyweight, Hank Griffin, of the United States, has announced his retirement. The announcement came after a 1st round knockout loss at the hands of Tom Sharkey.

The big moment in Griffin's career came on February 17th, 1900, when he lost a heavyweight title bout to Sharkey. Griffin was knocked out in the 7th round. It was Griffin’s only title shot. He was the #1 contender at that time. Griffin remained a top 10 contender until May of 1903.



Real stuff - courtesy of the internet:

Some sources report that Griffin was past his prime when he met Jim Jeffries in 1895; They also state that Griffin had 219 bouts up to that time, winning 103 by knockout; Photographs of Griffin make him appear to be 6-2 or 6-3 and about 200 lbs.

His greatest skills as a boxer were the use of his long arms in jabbing an opponent and his defensive ability.

Badly mismanaged during much of his career, Griffin found some success acting as sparring partner and trainer for more profitable boxers. He was Bob Fitzsimmons' chief sparring partner prior to his title loss to Jeffries.

He later owned and operated a hotel and boxing school and gymnasium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Another man took his name (“Young Hank Griffin") and fought Joe Jeannette, Tony Ross, Jim Barry, and others from 1908 and afterward. The "real" Griffin died of tuberculosis on 2 May 1911 in Ann Arbor.