Emile Griffith vs Joey Archer 2

On January 23, 1967, Emile Griffith and Joey Archer faced off again at Madison Square Garden. Griffith, defending both the WBA and WBC Middleweight titles, weighed 152 pounds, while Archer weighed 160 pounds. Archer fought in his characteristic style, prioritizing defence, movement, and jabbing. He managed to protect a cut received in the second round with careful tactics, frustrating Griffith early and leading by the halfway point. Yet, Griffith's aggression and cleaner punches shifted the momentum as the fight continued.

Griffith's best work was in the seventh, eighth, and ninth rounds when he landed a series of hooks that stood out as some of his sharpest punches in recent bouts. Archer managed to rally in the tenth, but Griffith's consistent pressure and more assertive moments carried him forward by then. By the final rounds, Archer's effort lacked urgency, allowing Griffith to retain control.

Judges agreed on Griffith's victory: all three had the fight 8-6 in favour of the champion while differing slightly on rounds. Griffith's manager, Gil Clancy, acknowledged Griffith's flashes of excellence post-fight while admitting inconsistency.

The fight reflected Griffith's complex relationship with boxing, balancing moments of skill with spells of disengagement. It was another close but unsuccessful attempt to dethrone the champion for Archer, emphasizing his reputation as a skilled but ultimately conservative fighter.