Who Is Emile Griffith? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Emile Griffith was born on February 3, 1938, and to honor his remarkable life, in 2025, he would have celebrated his 87th birthday. He was a legendary American professional boxer, known for his tenacity in the ring and his profound impact on the sport. Born in New York City to parents from the Virgin Islands, Griffith's boxing career began to take shape as a teenager, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become a world champion in multiple weight classes.
Griffith held a distinguished record and earned the title of welterweight champion as well as middleweight champion multiple times during his career, which spanned from 1958 to 1977. His life beyond boxing was also rich, as he navigated the complexities of fame, identity, and personal struggles.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 3, 1938 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Date of death | 23 July, 2013 |
| Died Place | Hempstead, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Emile Griffith's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Emile Griffith stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). Throughout his boxing career, his fighting weight varied, as he competed in multiple weight classes. However, his fighting weight primarily ranged between 147 pounds (67 kg) in the welterweight division and 160 pounds (73 kg) in the middleweight division. His athletic physique was a key factor in his success, complemented by speed, agility, and strength.
Emile Alphonse Griffith (February 3, 1938 – July 23, 2013) was an American professional boxer who won world titles in three weight divisions. He held the world light middleweight, undisputed welterweight, and middleweight titles. His best-known contest was a 1962 title match with Benny Paret.
Griffith won the bout by knockout; Paret never recovered consciousness and died in the hospital 10 days later.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Emile Griffith's personal life was as colorful as his boxing career. Although he never publicly identified as gay during his fighting days, he became an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights later in life, acknowledging his relationships with men. Griffith's legacy includes a strong connection with his family, particularly with his mother, who heavily influenced his life choices.
At the time of his passing in 2013, Griffith did not have a girlfriend or partner that the public was aware of, but he maintained close friendships and connections within the boxing and LGBTQ+ communities.
Griffith and Paret's third fight, which was nationally televised by ABC, occurred on March 24, 1962, at Madison Square Garden. Griffith had been incensed by an anti-gay slur directed at him by Paret during the weigh-in. Paret touched Griffith's buttocks and whispered into his opponent's ear "maricón, maricón", Spanish slang for "faggot".
Griffith had to be restrained from attacking Paret on the spot. The media at the time either ignored the slur or used euphemisms such as "anti-man". Griffith's girlfriend asked him about the incident, saying, "I didn't know about you being that way."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Emile Griffith's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. Despite facing financial difficulties later in life due to medical issues stemming from his boxing career, Griffith's legacy has earned him posthumous recognition and honor, ensuring that his legacy lives on. While he earned substantial sums during his fighting years, including lucrative match purses and endorsements, the costs associated with health issues took a toll on his finances.
Career, Business and Investments
Emile Griffith's boxing career was nothing short of iconic. He competed in various titles, capturing the WBA Welterweight title and the WBC middleweight title, among others. Known for his exciting fighting style and sportsmanship, Griffith faced notable opponents, such as Benny "Kid" Paret, who tragically died after a match with Griffith in 1962, an event that haunted him throughout his life.
Post-retirement, Griffith remained involved in the boxing world as a trainer and mentor to young boxers. His dedication to the sport led him to support various boxing initiatives, making a significant impact on the community. Although he faced some financial hardships, Emile also explored opportunities for public speaking and advocacy, focusing on health concerns related to boxing.
But many boxing fans believed he was never quite the same fighter after Paret's death. From the Paret bout to his retirement in 1977, Griffith fought 80 bouts but only scored twelve knockouts. He later admitted to being gentler with his opponents and relying on his superior boxing skills because he was terrified of killing someone else in the ring.
Many thought that Griffith fought past his prime, only winning nine of his last twenty three fights. Other boxers whom he fought in his career included world champions American Denny Moyer, Cuban Luis Rodríguez, Argentine Carlos Monzón, Cuban José Nápoles, and in his last title try, German Eckhard Dagge.
After 18 years as a professional boxer, Griffith retired with a record of 85 wins (25 by knockout), 24 losses and 2 draws.
Social Network
Emile Griffith was not only a boxing legend but also a beloved figure within the LGBTQ+ community. His courage in coming out later in life earned him respect and admiration. He was active on several social media platforms, sharing insights about his life experiences, promoting awareness for LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting the next generation of athletes. Friends, former boxers, and fans often honored his contributions to the sport and society through various online tributes.
The fight, and the widespread publicity and criticism of boxing which accompanied it, became the basis of the 2005 documentary Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story.
Education
Griffith's formal education did not directly relate to boxing; however, his experiences in the sport taught him invaluable lessons in discipline, perseverance, and the importance of mental health. He often spoke about resilience and personal growth, showcasing that life lessons can be learned in and out of the boxing ring. His story serves as inspiration for many, emphasizing the power of self-acceptance and the pursuit of one's true identity.
In conclusion, Emile Griffith's legacy endures not only for his achievements in the boxing ring but also for his journey of personal discovery and advocacy. As we remember him in 2025, we celebrate not just a champion boxer but also a courageous individual who broke barriers and inspired many.
In 1963 and 1964, Griffith was voted Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America. In 2002, he was listed #33 on Ring Magazine's list of 80 greatest fighters of the past 80 years. Griffith currently ranks #127 in BoxRec's ranking of the greatest pound for pound boxers of all time.
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1990.
