Carlos Monzon vs Emile Griffith 2

The June 2, 1973 rematch between Carlos Monzon and Emile Griffith at Monaco's Stade Louis II ended as a controversial re-run their first encounter 22 months earlier. Before a crowd of 10,000 (reported alternatively as 8,000), Monzon (159 lbs) faced a lighter Griffith (157 lbs) in his seventh defence of the WBA and WBC middleweight titles.

Griffith, at 35, effectively employed his 18 years of professional experience through the early rounds, establishing control behind a measured jab and selective right crosses. The challenger's technical superiority was evident into the eighth round when he staggered Monzon with a right hand, though he failed to capitalize on this advantage.

The champion, who had to run three miles before weighing in, found his second wind after the tenth round as Griffith's pace diminished. The pivotal moment came in the fourteenth when Monzon landed a right hook that visibly hurt Griffith, though the veteran's ring savvy allowed him to clinch and survive.

All three officials favoured Monzon: referee Piero Brambilla (147-145), judge Karl Perpeet (147-144), and Raymond Baldeyrou (147-143). The decision, which met with disapproval from the nonpartisan crowd, reflected Monzon's late-round surge rather than Griffith's early excellence.

Monzon acknowledged this as his most challenging defence post-fight, suggesting it was even through round eleven. Griffith, who earned $45,000 to Monzon's $100,000, believed he had captured a sixth world title. The bout marked Griffith's 24th world championship fight and improved Monzon's record to 82-3-9, while Griffith fell to 77-14-1.