GRIFFITH, EMILE-ANDY HEILMAN I FIGHT ENVELOPE (1968)

HISTORY: On June 11, 1968 (postponed from June 7th) at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California Emile Griffith and Andy Heilman fought in a world middleweight title elimination fight. Griffith prevailed winning a 12 round majority decision. 

"Emile Griffith won a majority decision over Andy Heilman Tuesday night in a rugged 12 round bout at Oakland Coliseum Arena. Heilman's Pier-Six style seemed made to order for the quick-handed Griffith who always landed more than he took. Heilman seemed to lose a lot of zip from the 5th round on after early body punches slowed down the San Pedro, Calif. battler. There were no knockdowns in the action, but Griffith staggered Heilman with a right in the 10th stanza, Griffith's best round." -United Press International This victory assured Griffith of a July 8th (it actually took place on August 6th) bout in Philadelphia against undefeated Gypsy Joe Harris, with the winner of that bout to receive a title shot against Nino Benvenuti for the middleweight title. This was all according to New York matchmaker Teddy Brenner, who was at ringside for this bout. Attendance - 4,171 Gate - $40,000 (app.) Purses - Griffith - $12,500, Heilman - $9,000 (app.) Post fight comments "The referee did a good job, but I wonder what fight he was watching." -Emile Griffith, commenting on Vern Bybee's scorecard. "Griffith is showing true class by going into somebody else's backyard back-to-back when he fights Harris in Philadelphia." -Gil Clancy, Griffith's manager. Offered here is an original fight envelope issued to advertise this fight.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, used fight envelope sent to legendary journalist Jack Fiske. Pictures both fighters. Bold color and print. Bold, clear images. Not creased. Clean front and back. Light toning from aging. 4" x 9."