Apr. 4, 1962 - Thousands of persons filed past the body of Benny (Kid) Paret in a Bronx funeral home today while demands increased in the U.S. and abroad for an end to professional boxing. Paret, a 25-year-old native of Cuba, died at 1:55 a.m. Tuesday morning from head injuries received when he lost the world welterweight championship to Emile Griffith at Madison Square Garden on March 24. Griffith is not expected to view Paret’s body at the Ortiz Funeral Home in the Bronx. There are fears that his appearance might create ill feeling in the largely Spanish-speaking neighborhood. Griffith is reportedly distressed over Paret’s death and has said in recent days that he may never fight again. Ring Magazine named Griffith today as the fighter of the month for the victory that resulted in Paret’s death.
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