Australasia title win kicks off huge weekend of celebrations for boxer

Pittsworth’s Jackson Griffiths is the new WBC Australasia Grand Champion titleholder. However the massive win was only the start of a weekend he will never forget. Find out why here.

Jackson Griffiths (right) and Miguel Vazquez trade blows during the WBC Australasia Grand Champion title fight between the pair. Griffiths defended his title after fight went to the judges scorecards following an accidental head clash. Picture: Darren Burns

Being crowned the first ever WBC Australasia Grand Champion is reason enough to celebrate.

However the title win proved to be just the start of whirlwind weekend for Jackson ‘Stoneleigh’ Griffiths.

Fresh after beating former IBF lightweight titleholder Miguel Vazquez on Friday, Griffiths went on to celebrate his sister’s wedding on Saturday and his dad’s birthday on Sunday.

“It’s been a pretty big weekend that’s for sure – plenty to be excited about and celebrate,” Griffiths said.

“The big fight night Friday, my sister’s wedding and my dad’s birthday. What a great time.”

Griffiths won by unanimous decision, taking his record to 15-0 after the fight went to the scorecards early due to an accidental head clash.

But the story behind the win is just as much about what almost happened.

Despite landing some massive shots on Griffiths, the Vasquez camp considered calling the fight earlier than the match officials.

Bradley Smith, Jackson Griffiths and Brendon Smith celebrate Griffiths' WBC Australasia Grand Champion title defence. Picture: Darren Burns

Vasquez, who has fought the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Timothy Bradley Junior and Josh Taylor, was amazed by Jackson’s power and ability to take a shot.

“Miguel got one (punch) around Jackson’s gloves in round 1, it was a really hard left, and I reckon that would’ve dropped most fighters,” fight promoter Brendon Smith said.

“Jackson barely moved though – he was in top condition for this fight.

“Talking to Miguel and his team as I took them to the airport – they had a lot of great things to say about Jackson.

“They were really impressed by his (Griffiths) power. Miguel used a bit of the Philly Shell and the way Jackson was hitting his arms and other parts, it was hurting him and they thought about calling it on the seat at one point.”

A humble Griffiths was almost lost for words when the information was revealed to him by this masthead.

“I don’t know what to say really, I didn’t know about that until now,” he said.

“I guess it is a bit exciting, to hear that from someone like him.

“It was a tough fight and an unreal feeling to be able to do this – win a new title – it’s special.

“He was a really awkward fighter – I could feel and see his experience.

“I felt really good though, I felt like I was really warming into things, getting over the top of him with my power.

“I really think it (a decision win) would’ve come in the next few rounds if it wasn’t stopped.”