Emile Griffith vs. Gaspar Ortega (1st meeting)

Emile Griffith 147 lbs beat Gaspar Ortega 148 lbs by SD in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1960-02-12
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA
• Referee: Harry Ebbets 1-8
• Judge: Artie Aidala 7-3
• Judge: Bill Recht 8-1

"Emile Griffith, a bright new face in the welterweight division, has cleared the first hurdle in his campaign to win wider recognition. The 21 year old owns a split decision over experienced Gaspar Ortega of Mexico after his first main event in MSG. Griffith got off slowly but came on strong in the middle rounds with his superior speed. It was a satisfactory performance by a youngster in his first Garden main go against a man ranked No. 8 among the welters." -Associated Press

• Announcer Johnny Addie incorrectly announced that both referee Harry Ebbets and judge Bill Recht voted for Griffith by a score of 8-1-1. However, Ebbets corrected him and it was re-announced that Ebbets score was 8-1-1 for Ortega.

Unofficial scorecards:

• AP - 6-3-1 Griffith
• UPI - 8-2 Griffith
• Ringside poll of sportswriters had 16 out of 17 scoring for Griffith.

Post fight comment: "Ebbets must'a been over at Ebbets Field instead of at Madison Square Garden." Emile Griffith, regarding Referee Harry Ebbets's scorecard.