In 1971, the 24 year-old Rodrigo Valdez, was campaigning at 154 lbs. With a record of 38-4-2 (24 KO's), Rodrigo was making his 'mark' as one of the best young 150+ lb. fighters around. In 1982, Ray Leonard had just come off of his '1981' win (TKO 14) over Thomas Hearns. The 25 year-old, was as good as any 154 lb. fighter out there, and had a record of 31-1-0 (22 KO's). Height wise, Rodrigo was 5' 9 1/2", just a 1/2' shorter than Ray. Both fighters had the same reach at 72". Ray had the speed and movement edge, but Rodrigo had the power, and was as durable as they come. In a 15-Round fight, could Rodrigo wear down Ray with his heavy-blows in the later-middle rounds (10 - 11 - 12), and overtake Ray's early points lead.
If Leonard elected to unwisely go toe to toe with Valdez he would definitely lose...But with that said...he wouldn't. Leonard excels at the prerequisite fight style to outpoint Rodrigo Valdez. I like Leonard at the height of his powers to beat Valdez by decision, by utilizing lateral movement. I like Valdez's against aggressive styles, but not against a Leonard who could move very well.
In 1971 Valdez was just entering his prime. I would have his prime as 1973. I think in 1971 a prime Leonard would probably outbox him. In 1973 I could still see the same result but I could also envision Valdez walking him down behind that jab and busting him up. Valdez wasnt scared to punch with a guy, which is a really good way to deal with speed. If Leonard could win it would be a really uninspired decision, pecking out one punch at a time, with long stretches of inaction.
DPW 417, This would be a bout at 154 lbs., and for 15 Rounds. Could Ray keep up the movement for the entire 15-Rounds. Rodrigo was much quicker in 1971, and at 154 lbs., he moved well. And, he had two-fisted power to go along with natural strength. If Ray did go flat-footed for any length of time, and trade with Rodrigo, he could be in for a surprise. I'm going with Rodrigo to score a 'flash-knockdown' in Round 4, after Ray wins the first 3-Rounds. Ray will box and move over the next 5-Rounds, but Rodrigo will come on strong in Round 10, and continue with a heavy assault taking command. Ray will steal a round or two over the last 5-Rounds, but Rodrigo's overall strength and effective aggression will carry him to pick up lost rounds. Rodrigo Valdez in points 145-144
Valdez gives a similar smooth technical approach from the waist up to Kalule, but with dangerous power and chin..minus the footwork. I don't think Leonard could afford to stand and get into exchanges for too long at any time and Valdez will certainly get to him, but if he fights a disciplined stick and move approach he should have the power and physical ability to see it through in a good fight. I've never thought Leonard lost anything at 154 nor would he have had he moved up for good while still active.Hell, even with such a long layoff and genuinely physically faded we still saw what he could do in 87 at 160. That Leonard could beat Valdez over 12, but not likely over 15.A younger physically prime one shouldn't have too many issues going 15. I'd like to see them fight in a smaller ring than the usual size Leonard fought his big fights in though.Could be interesting.
Eventually Valdez would find Ray's chin. It would be over then, and I don't care how good Ray would have looked up till then.
From mid-1970 thru November 1971 - Rodrigo was 8-0-0 (8 KO's) against some pretty good fighters. Not only did he stop them, but many he sliced up. In 1971, Rodrigo had 24 year-old legs, and his movement was very good. Besides 'natural' power and strength, the 5' 9 1/2" Valdez could deliver hard slashing punches. And his chin, was certified as a cement block. Ray would never be able to hurt Rodrigo, or back him up. Rodrigo is just too strong, and his hand-speed was quick, because he threw short power shots. And his quick movement, would be able to cut-off the ring on Ray. Like 'LORA' stated, Ray could have a slight points lead thru 10-Rounds, but over the last third of the fight, strength over flash. Ray would be in trouble in several of the 'last rounds' as Rodrigo would able to hurt Ray with heavy punches. [url] This content is protected [/url]
I respect everyone's opinions and while it wasn't a prime Valdez, against Toro and Palladin you can see Valdez doesn't like movers. It's all the proof you really need to see. Could Valdez catch and stop Leonard with a bomb? Yes he could..but in looking at Leonard's record at his peak, it is very unlikely. Ray wouldn't stand in with a monster like Valdez...and he certainly has the wheels and mainly the smarts to be a step or two ahead of Valdez all night...Leonard doesn't have to stop Valdez, he just has to get his attention...and when he moved up in '87 he didn't hurt Hagler, but he got his attention. Leonard W15 at 154.
The part in bold speaks volumes. Valdez had a smooth offensive rythym, but without the footwork to set up the angles for offense and defense, which is how to put pressure on a good boxer...that was the reason at times Valdez waited for the perfect shot...and waited...and waited. But with that said, Valdez practically kills anyone who comes to him...
Leonard had a great chin and he was smart enough to hang on when he was hurt. But I think Rocky eventually wears him down and beats him up pretty good to win a hard-fought unanimous decision.
Rodrigo Valdez, Between - July 1970 and November 1971, he really came into his own as a 154 lb. fighter, by going 8-0-0 {8 KO's}. Age wise, at 24 1/2, he was strong and quick, and the punches he threw had 'hurt' written all over them. His (October 19, 1971) 'knockout' (TKO 1) over Perry 'Lil Abner' Abney at Madison Square Garden was an awesome display of power. This is when Rodrigo was starting to get 'really scary' with his awesome power.
I was a big fan of Valdez back in the 70's. Great combo puncher but Monzon showed he could be outboxed. Leonard wins this one by outboxing Valdez. Moving sticking and throwing combos. Leonard just too quick of a boxer her and he would win a lopsided decision.
