Benny Paret

Benny Paret was a boxer born in Santa Clara, Cuba on March 14, 1937. Known in boxing as Benny the "Kid" Paret, he died in New York City on April 3, 1962 as a result of injuries sustained in a televised title bout with Emile Griffith for the welterweight championship.

Related Topics:
Boxer - Santa Clara - Cuba - March 14 - 1937 - New York City - April 3 - 1962 - Emile Griffith

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Prior to the weigh-in for their third fight (Griffith won the first bout; Paret won the second), Paret taunted Griffith and, according to a Sports Illustrated article in April 2005, hissed at him: "Maricon (a Spanish insult meaning "faggot"), I'm going to get you and your husband." Griffith, a closeted homosexual, flew into a rage and tried to go after his opponent before friends restrained him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The fight was a seesaw battle, and Paret actually knocked Griffith down in the sixth round. Griffith struggled to get to his feet, but eventually was able to regain his composure. In the twelfth round, Griffith unleashed a barrage of 18 unanswered punches that left Paret defenseless against the ropes. Paret fell into a coma and died ten days later. Referee Ruby Goldstein was blamed by many for not stopping the fight soon enough after a spent Paret fell into the ropes but became entangled, unable to fall and helpless against Griffith's fusillade. As a result of the tragic outcome - believed to be the first live death on American television - boxing would not be seen on free TV for the ensuing ten years.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Paret had a lifetime record of 35-12-3 (10 KO).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The fatal bout, and its effects on Emile Griffith's career and life, are the subject of the documentary "Ring of Fire."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~