Benny Paret vs. Federico Thompson (1st meeting)

Benny Kid Paret 146 lbs drew with Luis Federico Thompson 146 lbs by MD in round 12 of 12

• Date: 1960-03-25
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA
• Referee: Al Berl 6-5
• Judge: Artie Aidala 6-6
• Judge: Leo Birnbaum 6-6

"Cuba's Benny (Kid) Paret and Argentina's Federico Thompson fought to a draw in 12 thrilling rounds Friday night but the fiery Cuban took the prize that counted - a title fight with welterweight champion Don Jordan at Las Vegas on May 27. Thompson says he will protest to the NYSAC on Monday if he is passed up on the first crack at the title shot." -Associated Press

Scorecards

• Referee Al Berl - 6-5-1 Paret
• Judge Artie Aidala - 6-6 in rounds, but 8-7 Thompson on supplemental points
• Judge Leo Birnbaum - 6-6 in rounds and 6-6 on points

• Unofficial AP scorecard - 7-5 Paret
• Unofficial ringside poll of 16 sportswriters had 8 for Paret, 6 for Thompson and 2 scoring it a draw.

Post fight comment

• "I have more of a right to the title fight than Paret. I knocked out Jordan (in a non-title fight) and Paret hasn't fought him. Paret didn't beat me. It was a draw but I think I won. Either I should get the title fight or a return fight with Paret. I'll knock him out the next time." -Federico Thompson