Uriah Grant
Encyclopedia
Uriah Grant was a professional boxer. Nicknamed "Bossman", Grant was not a force in his weight classes, but was a notable contender who briefly captured the IBF
Cruiserweight Title.
in his second pro fight. In 1986 he defeated Matthew Saad Muhammad
but was never really able to hit a groove. He looked headed towards a journeyman status, and dropped a series of fights, including a decision to Bobby Czyz
in 1990. In 1991 he lost to Frank Tate
, and moved up to cruiserweight. In 1993 he landed a shot at IBF Cruiserweight Title holder Alfred Cole and lost a decision. In 1995 Grant landed a rematch with Cole and lost another decision. The next year Grant was outboxed by a young Chris Byrd
over 10 rounds. Rather than give up, in 1997 Grant earned a shot at IBF Cruiserweight Title holder Adolpho Washington
and won a close decision, winning his only title. The success was short lived, and Grant lost the belt in his next fight to unheralded Imamu Mayfield
.
in the 2nd round. It was short lived, and in 2002 Grant stepped up to heavyweight and took on Brian Nielsen and lost a decision. Grant dropped back down to cruiser, but failed to win another fight, including losses to Rydell Booker
in 2003 and Eliecer Castillo
in 2004. Grant announced his retirement after the bout with Castillo.
International Boxing Federation
The International Boxing Federation or IBF is one of four major organizations recognized by IBHOF which sanction world championship boxing bouts, alongside the WBA, WBC and WBO.- History :...
Cruiserweight Title.
Pro career
A gritty fighter who made the most of his potential, Grant turned pro in 1984 as a light heavyweight and lost to Henry TillmanHenry Tillman
Henry Durand Tillman is a former American boxer.-Amateur Career:Tillman twice defeated Mike Tyson as an amateur, winning both bouts via close decisions. Tillman went on to win heavyweight Gold at the Los Angeles Olympics....
in his second pro fight. In 1986 he defeated Matthew Saad Muhammad
Matthew Saad Muhammad
Matthew Saad Muhammad is a former boxer who was the world's light heavyweight champion.Saad Muhammad's mother died when he was an infant, and he and his elder brother were sent to live with an aunt. When he was five, his aunt could not afford to look after both of them and she instructed Saad...
but was never really able to hit a groove. He looked headed towards a journeyman status, and dropped a series of fights, including a decision to Bobby Czyz
Bobby Czyz
Robert Edward "Bobby" Czyz is a retired American boxer. A New Jersey native of mostly Polish and Italian descent, he is both a former world light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion.Czyz was born in Orange, New Jersey...
in 1990. In 1991 he lost to Frank Tate
Frank Tate (boxer)
Frank Tate was an American boxer.-Amateur career:Tate was the 1983 National Golden Gloves light middleweight champion. Even though he was down two times during the final bout he controversially won the Light Middleweight Gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics vs Canadian Boxer Shawn O'Sullivan...
, and moved up to cruiserweight. In 1993 he landed a shot at IBF Cruiserweight Title holder Alfred Cole and lost a decision. In 1995 Grant landed a rematch with Cole and lost another decision. The next year Grant was outboxed by a young Chris Byrd
Chris Byrd
Chris Cornelius Byrd is a retired and former professional boxer. He is the former WBO and IBF heavyweight champion. His nickname is "Rapid Fire".- Early life :...
over 10 rounds. Rather than give up, in 1997 Grant earned a shot at IBF Cruiserweight Title holder Adolpho Washington
Adolpho Washington
Adolpho Washington was a professional boxer best known to hold the IBF Cruiser title for one fight. He had little power but a "steel" chin, and was never knocked out as a pro ....
and won a close decision, winning his only title. The success was short lived, and Grant lost the belt in his next fight to unheralded Imamu Mayfield
Imamu Mayfield
Imamu Amiri Mayfield is an American professional boxer.-Career:Mayfield turned pro in 1994 and was a popular local fighter known for being on boxing cards in various New Jersey venues. He won the IBF Cruiserweight Title with a win over Uriah Grant in 1997...
.
Thomas Hearns TKO
Grant had a resurgence in 2000 when he shockingly TKO'd legendary but aging Thomas HearnsThomas Hearns
Thomas "Hitman" Hearns is a retired American boxer. Nicknamed the "Motor City Cobra" and more famously "The Hitman", Hearns became the first boxer in history to win world titles in four divisions. He would also become the first fighter in history to win five world titles in five different divisions...
in the 2nd round. It was short lived, and in 2002 Grant stepped up to heavyweight and took on Brian Nielsen and lost a decision. Grant dropped back down to cruiser, but failed to win another fight, including losses to Rydell Booker
Rydell Booker
Rydell Booker is a boxer in the Heavyweight division. He is the former Michigan State Cruiserweight, USA Michigan State cruiserweight, USA Mid West cruiserweight, and USA Mid American cruiserweight champion....
in 2003 and Eliecer Castillo
Eliecer Castillo
Elieser Ramos Castillo , is a Cuban professional boxer in the heavyweight division.-Amateur career:Elieser Castillo Ramos was part of the legendary Cuban boxing program before he defected to the United States....
in 2004. Grant announced his retirement after the bout with Castillo.