Benny (Kid) Paret vs. Cecil Shorts

Benny Kid Paret 155 lbs lost to Cecil Shorts 147 lbs by MD in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1959-03-02
• Location: St. Nicholas Arena, New York, New York, USA
• Referee: Petey Scalzo 3-6
• Judge: Frank Fullam 5-5
• Judge: Tommy Dolan 4-6

"An 11th hour call to sub for an ailing fighter proved to be the big break for Cecil Shorts. The Cleveland welterweight stepped in against Benny (Kid) Paret and won a majority decision over the 5-1 favored Cuban middleweight at St. Nicholas Arena last night. The 10 rounder was bitterly fought all the way. It was replete with foul tactics by both fighters, although Paret was the main offender on numerous low blows. Referee Petey Scalzo was kept busy all night by the brawling pair. He took a round away from each and warned one or the other or both from the 3rd through the 8th rounds." -Associated Press

Scorecards

• Referee Patey Scalzo - 6-3-1 Shorts
• Judge Tommy Dolan - 6-4 Shorts
• Judge Frank Fullam - 5-5 Draw

• Unofficial AP scorecard - 6-4 Paret
• Shorts was given this fight after Randy Sandy had to withdraw due to an infected ear. Matchmaker Teddy Brenner assigned him to the fight at the noon weigh-in.

Post fight comment

• "It's a good thing I'm always in good shape. He had 8 1/2 pounds on me and those low blows bothered me. It got me sore too, which is no good. I wanted to belt him when I should have boxed more from the outside." -Cecil Shorts