Ring 8 Tribute to Emile Griffith major hit 2013 award winners selected

NEW YORK (September 26, 2013) - More than 100 people turned out last week for at Ring 8's monthly meeting and its tribute to the late, great Emile Griffith, at historic Waterfront Crabhouse, in Long Island City, New York. The six-time, three-division world champion Griffith (85-24-2, 23 KOs) was a fixture at Ring 8. His tribute included speakers such as his biographer, Ron Ross, Emile's son, Louis, boxing historian Henry Hascup and Bobby Bartels, his former sparring partner and past president of Ring 8.  Everyone enjoyed watched some of Griffith's best fights, on a projector screen, against Dick Tiger, Luis Rodriguez, Jorge Fernandez, Andy Heilman, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, and the second Nino Benvenutti fight.                         "We had a tremendous turnout to celebrate Emile's life and boxing career," Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  "It was a fitting tribute to a very special man.  We're all better people for having known him." Ring 8 also selected its 2013 award winners at last week's meeting.  These awards will be presented, along with Fighter of the Year (to come), at the 27th annual Ring 8 Holiday & Awards Ceremony on Sunday afternoon, December 8, at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York. 2013 Ring 8 Award Winners Uncrowned Champion:  Gasper Ortega Official of the Year:  Deputy Commissioner Robert Orlando Amateur Official of the Year:  Dan Gant Member of the Year:  Carmine Rastelli Professional Judge of the Year:  John McKaie Prospect of the Year:  Sean Monahan Professional Trainer of the Year:  Bob Jackson Amateur Trainer of the Year:  Joe Higgins Emile Griffith Good Guy Award:  Sal Corrente Long & Meritorious Service:  Dr. William Lathan 50th Anniversary:  Bobby Bartels & Lenny Mangiapane