This is an incredibly sad obit: Emile Griffith, boxer.
The cause was kidney failure and complications of dementia, said Ron Ross, the author of “Nine … Ten … and Out! The Two Worlds of Emile Griffith,” published in 2008.
Mr. Griffith boxed professionally for nearly 20 years, from 1958 to 1977. He is perhaps best remembered for his fight against Benny Paret on March 24, 1962.
By the 12th round of a scheduled 15, Griffith and Paret were still standing. But in the 12th, Griffith pinned Paret into a corner and let fly a whirlwind of blows to the head….
Griffith delivered 17 punches in five seconds with no response from Paret, according to Griffith’s trainer, Gil Clancy, who counted them up from television replays. Griffith may have punched Paret at least two dozen times in that salvo.
Mr. Paret died ten days later as a result of brain injuries received during the fight.
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