Venezuelan Boxer David Griman’s Inspiring Journey
David Grimán Méndez, known as David Griman, is a Venezuelan boxer from Los Teques. Before turning professional, he won silver medals at the 1986 World Amateur Championships and the 1987 Pan American Games, and bronze at the 1986 Goodwill Games. He also represented Venezuela at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
WBA flyweight champion
Griman won the WBA flyweight title on December 15, 1992, with a decision over fellow Venezuelan Aquiles Guzmán. He made two successful defenses, including a 1993 stoppage of Japan’s Hiroki Ioka. Saen Sor Ploenchit defeated him by unanimous decision in February 1994, ending his reign.
Championship Success at Home and Abroad
The title-winning contest against Guzmán took place in Caracas and lasted the full twelve rounds. Griman then traveled to Osaka for his first defense, stopping Ioka in the eighth round on June 21, 1993. That result gave him a successful overseas defense before his next championship appearance back in Venezuela.
On October 4, 1993, he retained the belt against Alvaro Mercado in Puerto La Cruz, winning a twelve-round unanimous decision. His two defenses therefore produced different outcomes: a stoppage in Japan and a points victory at home. The reign ended in Chachoengsao, Thailand, on February 13, 1994, when Saen won the decision.
The geographical range of those bouts is a useful part of Griman’s career story. His amateur international experience preceded a professional championship run that took him from Venezuela to Japan and Thailand. The WBA later recognized him as a former flyweight champion in its coverage of the organization’s 91st annual convention, recording a career total of 22 victories and five defeats.
Title chronology: WBA flyweight championship results.
Sources
- World Boxing Association: Griman’s WBA title reign
- World Boxing Association: Griman–Ioka title fight
- BoxRec: David Griman amateur and professional record
- Olympedia: David Grimán, 1988 Olympic boxer
- Los Angeles Times: 1986 World Championships final
Career records and reporting: boxrec.com.
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
