Emile Griffith vs. Tony Licata

Emile Griffith 159 lbs lost to Tony Licata 160 lbs by UD in round 12 of 12

• Date: 1974-02-05
• Location: Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Referee: Tommy Rawson 112-120
• Judge: Royal Jones 114-117
• Judge: Dan Hamel 112-119

"Tony Licata set his sights higher as the US middleweight boxing champion today after earning a close decision over Emile Griffith. Licata improved his record with a unanimous decision in a bristling 12 round bout before a small turnout of about 4,000 Tuesday night at the Garden. Licata employed a rapier left hand to win the nod on the officials' cards. Griffith appeared surprised at the start as Licata moved forward continually behind his jab. The former champ picked up in the middle rounds, but then was stymied by Licata's fury in the final two stanzas." -Associated Press

• Unofficial AP scorecard - 5-5-2 Draw
• Licata weighed in at noon at 162 1/2, but at Gil Clancy's insistence, he had to get down to 160, which he did at his next attempt.
• Purses - Griffith - $15,000, Licata - $10,000

Post fight comments

• "I felt it was even going into the last two rounds. I thought whoever made the better showing in the 11th and 12th would win, and I think I took those two rounds." -Tony Licata

• "I think I won. I made a couple of mistakes, but he didn't hurt me. The decision is just one of those things. I'd love to fight him again." -Emile Griffith