Luis Rodriguez vs Emile Griffith 3

Just 89 days after losing his titles, Emile Griffith recaptured the unified welterweight championship from Luis Rodriguez via split decision at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 1963. The verdict proved controversial, with AP and UPI scoring 8-6-1 for Rodriguez and 17 of 24 ringside writers favouring the Cuban.

Judge Rossi's 8-7 card and referee Devlin's 9-6 tally overruled Armstrong's 10-5 for Rodriguez. Rossi had it even through 14 rounds before awarding the decisive final frame to Griffith.

Both fighters entered at 146½ lbs, with Griffith a slight 6-5 betting favourite. The event drew 8,081 fans, generating a $35,148 gate plus a $70,000 television fee. Rodriguez earned $40,000, while Griffith received $37,500 - a rare instance of the challenger earning more than the champion.

The contest marked their third meeting in less than three years, with each man now holding a victory in their championship bouts. The disputed nature of the decision set the stage for their fourth encounter the following year.