March 24, 1962 - Emile Griffith regained the World Welterweight Championship by knocking out Benny the "Kid" Paret in the 12th round. Paret died ten days later on April 3, 1962 as a result of severe head injuries sustained in the fight.
... starts Russo-Japanese War
February 23 - For $10 million the United States gains control of the Panama Canal Zone.
March 3 - Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany ...