Emile Griffith returns to the USVI: An exclusive interview

Emile Griffith and daughter Christine Griffith
Photo: Kris Manley

by Susan Mann
Caribbean Net News St Thomas Correspondent

Monday, June 27, 2005

ST THOMAS, USVI: The first thing I noticed about Emile Griffith was his smile. It could definitely light up any room. He also has a firm hand shake, and a strikingly muscular stance. Dressed in 'stylish casual', the six time world champ wore a pair of gold boxing gloves on a gold chain around his neck.

With Mr. Griffith were his daughter, Christine, who owns a vending business on St. Thomas, and adopted son, Louise, who resides with him in New York. The four of us set out on foot for a short walk to a tattoo parlor near the Havensight cruise ship docks.

Louise had already informed me that both he and his father would be getting matching tattoos. The design would of course, be a pair of boxing gloves. However, Griffith expressed his reluctance concerning the subject. Louise showed his father two boxing glove designs, and asked him to select one. The living, Virgin Islands legend left the choice up to his son. 

Griffith said that he had remained in New York City after his retirement because his mother had resided there until she passed a way in 1997. In recent years, he has often thought of returning to his boyhood home.

He explained that Boxing Federation Vice President, Julian Jackson was responsible for working out the arrangements for his visit, and would also be involved in helping him set up residence after the move is finalized.

When asked what part of the island he intended to live on, Griffith's daughter immediately pointed out that he could live with his wife, Mercedes, who has two bedrooms in her St. Thomas home. Griffith added that would be fine with him.

Father and son will be returning to New York City early Sunday morning. They plan to spend their last day on-island with their family. Final plans about a possible move back to St. Thomas are expected to be completed in three to six months.

One of Griffith's primary goals for this visit was to represent the USVI at the the Caribbean Regional Boxing Tournament. Griffith enthusiastically said he has enjoyed being a part of all the boxing matches.

An example of the elder, sports statesman's involvement took place on the last night of the 2005 Caribbean Amateur Boxing Championship. Griffith honored Senior Division lightweight winners by personally congratulating each one, and then saluting Regional Champion, and St. Croix resident, Otoniel Ortiz. The new winner then returned Griffith's salute.

When asked what he would do for the USVI community if he returns, Griffith said he plans to take part in a boxing program for youth, and assist in promoting tourism to the island. He said that he has enjoyed his years of living in New York, never losing touch with the sport of boxing, but he is ready to come home. 

The Boxing Hall of Famer said he was very happy about the documentary, "Ring of Fire", and there was nothing he would change about the film. The movie was a hit at the world renowned Sundance Film Festival.

One film critic, Scott Weinburg, said, "Ring of Fire is not about boxing. It's about the importance of tolerance and the power of forgiveness."  While another critic said, "The boxing footage alone will knock you out!"

Griffith said that he felt proud the first time he sat down and watched the film. He also found it hard to believe that a movie had been made about his life. There is much to be learned, as well as respected, about both the man and the film. At least in the eyes of this writer.

We know what this gentle, sports giant hopes to contribute to our community, should he return, but what will we do for him? There seems to be a certain vulnerability to Emile Griffith. Perhaps, it is a result of viewing the film, then spending time with the man, with out the tools of his trade. His boxing gloves.

Although boxing is never far from his thoughts, Griffith also seems clearly devoted to his children, and their wishes for him. He looks forward to the possibility of living out his golden years back in the Caribbean. The USVI will certainly benefit from his presence, in the ring, as well as out. 

Griffith's wife, Mercedes, also resides on St. Thomas where she is an Early Childhood teacher. 

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