Griffith defeated
Benny Paret, called "Kid", for the world welterweight championship on 1 April 1961. He lost the September 30 rematch by a split decision. They fought again on 24 March 1962. Griffith won by TKO when referee
Ruby Goldstein stopped the fight in the 12th round. Paret collapsed in his corner of the ring and lapsed into a coma. He died 10 days later on 3 April 1962.