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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchives340 Boxing Mourns the Passing of Boxing Legend Emile Griffith

340 Boxing Mourns the Passing of Boxing Legend Emile Griffith

340 Boxing is extremely saddened by the passing of boxing legend and Virgin Islands icon Emile Alphonse Griffith. Emile has been and continues to be a deep source of inspiration for many Virgin Islanders, especially all of us in the 340 Boxing family. The career achievements of Mr. Griffith, have helped to put the Virgin Islands in the international media spotlight, showcasing the territory’s incredible talent in the field of boxing.
Emile helped to lay the foundation for V.I. fighters, including Julian Jackson, Livingston Bramble, Sugar Ray Seales, Samuel Rogers, and John and Julius Jackson. In the years to come, many other young Virgin Islanders will be inspired by his story, and will pay tribute to his memory and accomplishments as they strive to achieve their own personal success.
Emile’s boxing record was an outstanding 112 total fights, with 85 wins, (23 by knock out), 24 losses, two draws, and one no contest. Mr. Griffith holds the record for the most rounds fought at world renowned Madison Square Garden. His remarkable boxing career and aspects of his personal life have been noted in the TV documentary, “Ring Of Fire” and most recently in the opera “Champion” written and composed by world famous jazz musician Terence Blanchard.
“We are certainly proud that we had the opportunity to give Emile his roses while he was still here with us. On many occasions we had the opportunity to bestow upon Mr. Griffith the honor he deserved here in the Virgin Islands. He loved the Virgin Islands deeply, and it was his wish to return home at some point. As recently as in 2011, we were fortunate to have Emile here in St. Thomas with us for an Amateur Boxing Card in Frenchtown,” said Jose “Tony” Rosario, president of USVI Boxing and managing partner of 340 Boxing.
Three-time World Boxing Champion Julian Jackson, also added “His death came as a surprise to us, and it is a tremendous loss for the sport of boxing. For the people that knew him, he has been an ambassador for us in boxing, and I have followed in his footsteps, and now my sons are following in his footsteps. To lose an icon for the Virgin Islands, our heart goes out to his family, and everyone that is close to him, and all the boxing fans out in the Virgin Islands and around the world will miss him. We will see him in the new generation of fighters coming from the Virgin Islands. “
We trust that Virgin Islanders everywhere will take a brief moment to remember this great champion. Emile was part of our 340 Boxing family, and we join his son Luis Griffith and the rest of his family in mourning him on his passing. May he forever rest in eternal peace.

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