OT: Nino Benvenuti Dead at 87

[RUhasarrived]

The 1960 Olympic Gold Medal welterweight boxing champ from Italy has passed.
After winning the welterweight title in the early 60's,he moved up to the middleweight division,taking that crown as well from the then champ,Emile Griffith at Madison Square Garden in 1967.He lost the title back to Griffith at-of all places-Shea Stadium - before reclaiming it back at the Garden.He must have been a Joni Mitchell fan.

 

[MADHAT1]

Remember him and he boxed in an era that boxing was a major sport

https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/008999

"He boasted a stunning record of 82 wins, including 35 knockouts, seven losses and one draw in his 90 professional boxing bouts.
His three world title fights against Emile Griffith in 1967 and 1968 were epic battles."

https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14280026/nino-benvenuti-dead-boxing-legend-champion/

 

[NBHPRU]

My immigrant father was at the 67 fight at the Garden. Boxing was one of few sports he was interested in. He was 5'3" tall and saw Wilt Chamberlain walking through the crowd. His first thought was "Why are they carrying that guy?"