NEW YORK (June 20, 2014) – Ring 8 will co-host a memorial service for Hall of Fame boxer Emile Griffith (85-24-2, 23 KOs) tomorrow morning (Saturday, June 21 at 10 a.m.) at St. Michael Cemetery in East Elmhurst, New York. His son, Luis Griffith, and family will also co-host the ceremony.
The cemetery is located off Astoria Avenue and Griffith’s gravesite is in Section 19, located near the administration building. His tombstone references him being a Ring 8 member as well as its board member for 20 years.
The beloved Griffith died last July 22 at the age of 75. Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he moved to New York City, where he was a standout amateur boxer. In 1958, he won the New York Daily News, New York Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions, and Intercity Golden Gloves.
His 19-year professional career started in 1958 and ended in 1977. Griffith was a five-time World welterweight and two-time World middleweight champion. Emile’s impressive list of fighters he defeated includes Nino Benvenuto, Dick Tiger (2), Joey Archer (2), Bennie Briscoe, Florintino Fernandez, Gasper Ortega (2), Benny Paret (2), Gypsy Joe Harris, Denny Moyer (2), Don Fullmer and Luis Manuel Rodriguez.
In 1985, Griffith was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, followed five years later by his induction into the inaugural class of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Prior to his death, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the New York State Hall of Fame, sponsored by Ring 8, in 2012.
Following Saturday’s service, Ring 8 will host a luncheon for only $10.00 per person at historic Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City, New York.
