Upon first hearing the story of Clifford "The Black Rhino" Etienne, some may almost believe that they were hearing a pitch for a new movie. Hollywood and classic literature are filled with fascinating accounts of common men who pulled themselves up by the bootstraps to achieve ultimate success after overcoming all obstacles. What makes this story all the more fascinating is that it all really occurred here in bayou country.

Clifford Etienne was born March 9, 1972 in Lafayette Louisiana and raised in nearby New Iberia. Like the sugar cane that grows tall in the fields along the bayou, so also did a young Clifford Etienne grow to become a strong young man and an outstanding high school athlete. Boxing was actually not a major interest for Etienne, who was known for his proficiency in playing football and basketball in addition to track and wrestling. So outstanding was his high school football career that he was recruited to play football for numerous schools including LSU, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. At age seventeen, it appeared as though Etienne was already on the road to success as a student and athlete. It was at that moment of aspiration, however, that the dream came crashing down around him.

At seventeen, Etienne was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 40 years behind bars. Etienne spent 10 years at the Dixon Correctional Facility in Louisiana, and it was during this time that he decided to turn things around. While at DCI, Etienne converted to Islam and enrolled into an educational program sponsored by Southern University. During his incarceration at Dixon Correctional, Etienne took up boxing and eventually enlisted with the Louisiana Boxing Association. The LBA scheduled fights between boxers from different correctional facilities, and Etienne seemed to find his calling as his record flourished to 30-0. Although Etienne was merely a fan of boxing as a teenager, he finally realized that boxing was what he wanted to do when he returned home. After spending ten years of his life behind bars, Etienne was released from prison with a new lease on life.

After his release from prison, Etienne began attending Southern University in Baton Rouge. Although Etienne is often known primarily for his athletic abilities, he was able to show his scholarly talents as well by making the Dean's List while at Southern U. Finally, at the age of 28, Etienne turned pro. In his first bout on December 3 1998, Etienne knocked out his opponent in 31 seconds to officially begin the Black Rhino's charge to ring greatness. Even in his first pro bouts, the Rhino was raising the eyebrows of boxing aficionados all over the South. Still in his first year, the Black Rhino handily defeated Abdul Muhaymin by throwing over 800 punches en route to an eighth-round unanimous decision. The Rhino quickly began making a name for himself as one of boxing's no-nonsense heavyweights. His eyes were set on Heavyweight supremacy, and he would stop at nothing until he reached his goal.

The Rhino stayed busy in 1999, fighting 10 bouts and winning seven of them by knockout. It was also during this time (2000) that Etienne married fellow Louisiana native Tiffany Brown, the day after a second round victory in February. Ever the family man but always the boxer, Etienne was soon back in the gym preparing for what would be an explosive career. To prove his legitimacy, the Black Rhino took on many opponents with impressive records. His most notable victories were over experienced opponents such as Lamon Brewster(23-0), Joey Guy(27-2) and Lawrence Clay-Bey (12-0). Lamon Brewster, although heavily favored and a three time U.S. national amateur champion, lost to the Black Rhino by a convincing unanimous decision on the premier of HBO's KO Nation. Etienne captured the IBA belt from Joey Guy, and the North American Boxing Federation heavyweight title from Cliff Couser on his return to KO Nation by knocking out both opponents in the third round of each fight. It was the Rhino's fight with Clay-Bey, however, that would eventually lead to his contract with Showtime. Etienne's ten-round unanimous decision over Clay-Bey was called the "Best Fight in 2000" in the heavyweight division by the Ring Magazine. Due to his aggressive style and tenacity in the ring, Ring Magazine also declared that Etienne earned the title of "Most Fun to Watch" among the heavyweights in 2000. The notice is definitely deserved, as Etienne is extremely dedicated to his sport and maintains a strong sense of discipline in his life to ensure his boxing success.

Although it seems that Etienne eats, sleeps and drinks boxing, there is always Cliff the family man. Cliff and Tiffany Etienne were blessed with baby girl Jacole (Ja-co-lee) in 2000, appropriately nicknamed "baby rhinette" by her mother. When not boxing, Cliff enjoys spending time at home cooking (Cajun food is his specialty) and playing the trumpet or his keyboard (surprisingly well). More importantly, Cliff values the time that he spends with his family. Although Joe Frazier and Marvin Hagler are his idols in the ring, his parents are the ones he admires most outside of the ring. Etienne receives much of his support from his close family unit, including his parents, sister and wife. With another child on the way, Etienne looks to the future and plans on being a positive role model for his children. Although the Black Rhino ultimately wishes to become the undisputed heavyweight champ, he always maintains that his family is his number one priority.

Recently acquired in the Rhino's corner is renowned trainer Jack Mosley, father and trainer of welterweight champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley. With his newfound determination, the Black Rhino seems destined at a shot at the title. With his family in his corner and the opportunity to turn his life around, however, Clifford Etienne is already victorious.

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