FORMER CHAMP NOW IN NURSING HOME
The “Chatter Box” wants to wish former champion Emile Griffith a very “Happy 74th Birthday” THIS Friday, February 3.
I got the chance to get to know the New Yorker whenever he came into town for the annual World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF) Banquet of Champions. Through these weekend galas, I also got to visit with his son, Luis Griffith, whom the champ adopted–and clearly doted on.
In these golden years for Emile, it is now son Luis who is doting on his father, who remains in an extended care nursing home just five blocks away from their Long Island home in Hempstead, New York.
Griffith (85-24-2, 23 KOs) harkens back from an era of brutal 15 rounders. He faced the likes of Bennie Briscoe, Carlos Monzon, Vito Antuofermo, Nino Benvenuti, Jose Napoles, Armando Muniz, Don Fullmer, Denny Moyer, among others, but unfortunately is best known for his third war versus Benny “The Kid” Paret back in 1962. In this fatal bout, Paret was TKO’d in Round 12, never regaining consciousness.
While it haunted Emile for the rest of his career, he fought on to become a WBC and WBA world titleholder before retiring in 1977.
Back then, the HBO “24/7” series ceased to exist. But if it were around at the time of Griffith’s reign, the cameras would’ve loved following around this colorful–and at times controversial–figure in boxing. The boxer, who was born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, was also featured in two best-selling projects, a book entitled “Nine, Ten and Out! The Two Worlds of Emile Griffith” and the dramatic “Ring of Fire” documentary. After hanging up his gloves, Griffith went on to train fighters.
Emile was always one of my favorites during the WBHF times. While fierce and formidable inside the ropes, as the years accumulated Griffith became known as a gentle character with a twinkle in his eyes and an impish grin always at hand. I would always greet the ex-champ (who as a youth worked in a hat factory before become an amateur champ) while he would tell me about the latest “Judge Judy” episodes he had watched. His son Luis is friendly and outgoing with a bear hug offered to all–and the two make a great team. Griffith was usually a top draw at the boxing events and he seemed to enjoy meeting new fans and reconnecting with his fellow champions as well.
Last year after suffering through several health issues (including a stay at Mercy Hospital) his son says Emile is doing a little better now. “He had an attack of gout and his foot was swelling, and he also has arthritis and diabetes,” Luis tells me during our phone conversation. “He now has early Parkinson’s disease so to keep his mind sharp we talk a lot about the good old days.”
Pugilistic Dementia and Parkinson’s are two bittersweet after effects sometimes afflicting some former fighter. There’s no rhyme or reason why one gladiator suffers from it while other time-tested vets seem to not show any consequences of concussive blows to the head. During Emile’s glory days, the puncher fought in 15-round contests, which only added more assault through the ravages of time.
I ask his son how his dad is faring these days. Not surprising, the warrior continues to fight back–and fight on through these debilitating ailments.
“It comes and goes. He does recognize me and he recognizes his family,” Luis answers. “We have a big bulletin board with photos and collages of him during his championship days.”
His son then gets a little quiet as I feel the emotion come forth. Growing old–and watching someone slowly fade away–is something none of us ever want to face.
“I love my dad and I’m doing the best I can to carry on for my father,” he tells me, as he lets out a slow sigh.
With the recession and the state of our current economy, the costs for the Hall of Famer’s extended care caused mounting bills for his son as one can only imagine.
“But I’ve had a lot of support from the boxing community, family and friends,” Luis continues. “We’ve had an ongoing lithograph sale to honor my dad.” There was also a recent celebration with the Ring 8 organization.
Honoring his father, former world champion Emile Griffith, is his goal.
And in honoring this multiple ex-titleholder: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHAMP.
Photos courtesy of Luis Griffith