Ex-Boxer Clifford Etienne Killing Prison

Time ... By Painting

Ex-Boxer Clifford Etienne Killing Prison Time ... By
Painting
11/9/2015 12:35 AM PT

EXCLUSIVE

Former heavyweight contender Clifford "The Black Rhino" Etienne has found something
new to live for while serving his 105 year prison sentence ... his love of painting.

Etienne made the big time when he fought Mike Tyson back in '03 ... but saw his life spiral
downward after that ... and is currently serving time in Louisiana for armed robbery,
kidnapping, and attempted murder of a police officer.

We spoke to Lynn O'Shea -- who handles Etienne's business affairs -- and she tells us he
began painting while inside ... and that his passion for the craft may have saved his life.

"He's amazing. He took painting serious inside and after he earned trustee status he was
actually able to become the warden's artist and sleep in his paint room. That kept him away
from all the drama in gen pop."
O'Shea tells us that Clifford's paintings sell "very well" and his work has been displayed at
several high profile spots around south Louisiana ... including one of the last places you'd
expect.

"The city of New Orleans bought one that hangs in a district police department, if you can
believe that."

Unfortunately, Etienne's had a rough go of it as of late ... he was transferred to a new prison
after he was nearly killed in an attack in his paint room ... and O'Shea says it's taken a toll on
him.

"Things slowed down after the attack. He used to make all his own canvas and stuff to paint
on ... but now he's locked down. I'm hoping some friends from his past life as a boxer can
help him out."