[2] Griffiths, a former Welsh Amateur Boxing Association champion,[3] was chosen to represent Great Britain at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
[3] After receiving a bye in the first round,[4] he was drawn against Clifton Charleswell of the United States Virgin Islands in the second.
[5] Griffiths turned professional after the Olympics, winning his debut fight against George Jones in January 1985.
He suffered his first defeat two months later against Alastair Laurie but embarked on an undefeated run, winning five and drawing one of his next six fights.
[6] In January 1988, Griffiths won the vacant Welsh super light-welterweight title by defeating Mark Pearce.