The View from The Rock: In conversation with unbeaten heavyweight Kriss ‘Monty’ Montegriffo

The View from The Rock: In conversation with Kriss ‘Monty’ Montegriffo

After a long wait for Gibraltar fight-fans, professional boxing returns to The Rock, promoted by former world champion Sunny Edwards, and featuring popular local fighters.

Globval Boxing News is joined by one of the few, 4-0 cruiserweight Kriss Montegriffo.

Despite possessing multiple fan-favourite boxers, including a current Commonwealth champion, and having a boxer who has recently fought for the WBA Gold title, Gibraltarians haven’t been able to get their hands on a boxing event since the Warrens held their inaugural, and only, ‘Gibraltar Series’ card, back in March 2025.

Kriss and Evan Montegriffo, brothers promoted and managed by Briton Sunny Edwards, were able to make their pro debuts under this event, with both, alongside Tyrone Buttigieg, picking up wins and becoming the first ‘Llanitos’ to fight on home soil. Both have managed to improve their records to four wins on the trot now, and look to improve it again in local, step-up six-round bouts, with opponents unconfirmed as of yet.

Fellow Gibraltarian and former WBA Gold super-lightweight title challenger Tarik Zaina also features on the bill in an eight-rounder, alongside former Irish-title challenger Cathal Crowley, Spain-based Jordan Sheriff, and British prospect Chris Mulunda.

GBN spoke to Kriss Montegriffo about his forthcoming fifth fight, and what it means for Gibraltarian boxing fans.

Kriss, you're currently in Sheffield training at Steel City Gym, alongside some top level fighters and world champions like Dalton Smith, so definitely great preparation for your upcoming bout. Has the experience made fight camp number five that one bit better?

“Rubbing shoulders with World Champion Dalton Smith has really been something. He is extremely nice, down to earth, and has made me feel very welcome. Training under the guidance of Grant Smith has been nothing short of amazing. Learning something new every day and possibly one of my dreams come true. If you don’t make big sacrifices you won’t accomplish anything.”

Apart from boxing in Derby last December, you've fought once in Gibraltar, and twice in Marbella, allowing for your fans to come and support you. Does it spur you on more knowing the backing you have, and does fighting in Gibraltar make the support sweeter?

“Well,this fight on the 11th will be our 5th professional bout. The first was in Gibraltar that made history, the second one was in Derby, and the 3rd and 4th were in Marbella. Our goal as a team has always been to fight at home no matter what. It’s happening now, and already accumulating a lot of interest! I can’t wait to hear the roar of my supporters - it really gives you that extra boost.”

You’re back down at cruiserweight now, rather than at heavyweight, and you are a lot leaner. Does your power come through more at 90 kilos (14 st, 4lb), hence your move to the division?

“Cruiserweight should have always been my weight. I’m not really a heavyweight at all. I’ve done well there but with experience, we go learning. I’ve been taking Sunny’s advice and Grant’s advice, and in the near future we will move down to light heavyweight. There, I’ll be a big problem for a lot of people. Power speed and “co-jones”.”

After the upcoming hometown event, and after putting on a show for local supporters, can we expect more shows on the Rock, or can we see you and Evan both fighting more often in the UK?

“If everything goes the way we think it will go, we are prepared to put on 2/3 shows a year, with bigger, tougher opponents each time, and better boxers, making it more exciting each time. We want to make it work, so we want to give the people our fans a chance to miss it. If we make it all too close together, people can get bored. We think 2/3 times a year would be perfect.”

Finally, do you have any words for your fans as they look forward to July 11?

“Like I always say,we can’t promise the decision but whatever happens I can guarantee a hell of a show. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere. I’ve never second guessed an opponent at amateur level and won’t at pro. Also, get ready for some very very big UK boxing stars to be present to support the ‘Full Monty’.”

Kriss fights on Saturday, July 11, with fellow local Tyrone Buttigieg also fighting and main-eventing in San Roque this July 4. Tickets can be purchased through buytickets.gi to support the ‘Full Monty’.