On September 30, 1961, at Madison Square Garden, Benny "Kid" Paret reclaimed the welterweight championship from Emile Griffith in a controversial split decision. The bout, which marked their second meeting following Griffith's 13th-round knockout victory in April of that year to become welterweight champion, drew a modest crowd of 6,072 and generated an estimated gate of $20,000.
Despite entering as a 3-1 underdog, Paret secured the victory with judges Artie Aidala (9-6) and Tony Castellano (8-6) scoring in his favour, while referee Al Berl saw it 8-6 for Griffith. Both fighters earned $25,000 plus 30% of the $60,000 television fee and gate receipts.
The boxing media immediately questioned the decision. A ringside survey showed nine reporters scoring for Griffith and only three for Paret. The United Press International's poll of sportswriters was even more decisive, with 18 favouring Griffith and just 4 siding with Paret. The Associated Press scored the fight 8-6-1 for Paret, while UPI had it 8-7 Griffith.
The controversial outcome led to their third and tragic meeting on March 24, 1962, where Griffith regained the title in a bout that resulted in Paret's death ten days later.
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