Emile Griffith

Emile Griffith, the retired professional boxer, will forever be remembered as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Griffith had a decorated career, spanning more than 19 years, from 1958 to 1977. With a professional record of 85-24-2, including 22 knockout wins, he secured 11 world titles at two weight classes. Griffith was known for his exceptional speed, footwork, and accuracy, which made him an exciting boxer to watch.

Griffith made his professional debut against Joe Parham at the age of 20 on June 2, 1958, defeating Parham via 4-round points. After his debut, he went on to win 12 more consecutive fights, which included 5 wins via stoppage. By the age of 23, Griffith contested his first world title fight against Benny Paret for the welterweight NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring titles. The fight took place on April 1, 1961, and after 24 professional fights, Griffith defeated Paret via 13th round knockout to become the welterweight champion of the world.

Griffith fought a total of 112 times during his professional career, and among his very best performances were his first eight fights. On March, 24, 1962, Griffith won the NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring welterweight titles from Benny Paret, beating Paret via 12th round TKO. He then beat Denny Moyer via a 10th round split-decision on August 18, 1962, before becoming the undisputed welterweight world champion on June 8, 1963, by defeating Luis Manuel Rodríguez via a 15 round split-decision. Griffith held the WBA, WBC, and The Ring welterweight world-champion belts.

On April 25, 1966, Griffith became the undisputed middleweight world champion by defeating Dick Tiger via a 15 round unanimous decision, securing the WBA, WBC, and The Ring middleweight world-champion belts. He would later become the undisputed middleweight world champion twice by defeating Nino Benvenuti via a 15 round majority decision on September 29, 1967, and defeating Dick Tiger again via a 10th round unanimous decision on July 15, 1970.

However, Griffith's career was not without its setbacks. He had a total of 24 losses in his professional boxing career, with eight of them in title bouts and 16 in non-title bouts. The first loss was against Randy Sandy via a 10 round split-decision on October 26, 1959, which ended his 13-fight win streak. He was stopped two times and lost 22 times via decision.

Griffith's final professional fight was a non-title bout against British boxer Alan Minter at 39 years of age, on July 30, 1977. Griffith lost the fight via a 10 round points decision. Nonetheless, his contributions to the boxing industry were invaluable, and he left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.

Griffith was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) in 1990. He will forever be remembered as a great boxer and an inspiration to many who aspire to one day succeed in the boxing world.

Finally, Emile Griffith's boxing career was nothing short of remarkable. He fought some of the greatest fighters of his time and came out on top, securing numerous records and accolades along the way. His technical skills, perseverance, and love of the sport earned him numerous fans and worldwide recognition. Griffith's achievements will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come, and his incredible legacy will never be forgotten.

Emile Griffith Fight Record