Will Grigsby: Two-Time IBF Light-Flyweight Champion
William “Will” Grigsby, nicknamed “Steel Will,” was a Minnesota boxer who won the IBF junior-flyweight title twice. The Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame profile records his rise from a 1988 professional debut to a world championship.
First IBF title reign
In December 1998, Grigsby won the vacant IBF junior-flyweight championship against Thailand’s Ratanapol Sor Vorapin. The BoxRec bout record lists Grigsby’s decision victory and his successful first defense. He lost the belt to Ricardo López in October 1999 after twelve rounds.
Later championship years
Grigsby defeated Nelson Dieppa in a bout for the vacant WBO junior-flyweight title in 2000, but the result was changed to a no contest after a positive marijuana test. He returned to the top level in 2005, defeating Víctor Burgos for the IBF title. BoxRec records his 2006 loss to Ulises Solís in his first defense.
Legacy
The Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame describes Grigsby as a high-level counterpuncher who reached a world title in only his 15th professional bout. His bouts with Sor Vorapin, López and Solís place him among the notable American junior-flyweights of his era.
Sources
Career records and reporting: boxrec.com.
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
