It's a good match, but Valdez liked it when guys came to him, Giardello wouldn't. I think Joey, whilst on form, would box him at range better than Monzon and Corro did. Giardello UD15.
Off topic but while I was doing research on the cruiserweight chins I'll be posting this week I've noticed there has been 62 champions since it was inaugurated in 1980 compared to 81 heavyweights since 1895. This shows that the weight is either very competitive or bums beat other bums for titles.
Man...two of my favorites here...and I must be as objective as possible and say that if Giardello is in peak form...I mean really peak form,...then he cops a 15 round decision over the powerful and dangerous Valdez.
I wouldn't read into that too much. Before 1980, there was a lot less HW champions than since, the alphabet titles came around modern form in the late 80s, that's when the champion got skyrocketed. I think there was about 20 HW champions before 1980, although I can't be arsed figuring it out, which would make your point pretty much irrelevant. Cruiserweight is definitely underrated though, especially recently.
Lastly as we go through the 17 divisions I've made up a very special award. The Ezzard Charles Trophy. Your winner at Cruiserweight Rickey Parkey(16)well done.
Like what some smart men above me said Joey has to be at his absolute best and I'll go with him here. 2 favorites of mine at 160
