 After the loss to Jones, Griffin remained a top-ranked light-heavyweight for six years.He won 11 of his next 12 bouts, losing only a controversial split decision to undefeated but unknown southpaw Eric Harding, despite knocking him down and out-landing him according to punchstats.Four consecutive knockout wins later, the now 38-2 Griffin squared off against 40-0 "Lineal"/WBO champion, Dariusz Michalczewski in Germany.