Before dismissing Giardello...Keep in mind he fought everyone in a very tough era, never ducking anyone, a real old school professional who was an excellent boxer. What separates Joey from being judged a true great as opposed to Monzon, was a small thing (not really) called consistancy. Does Giardello have the tools to beat Monzon when he is 'on' ? How do you see this match up of styles?
I don't see anything but a UD for Monzon everytime they fight. Giardello was a good, honorable champ. You are right, he didn't duck anybody. Did he lose the title to Dick Tiger? He also beat Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, which couldn't have been an easy feat.
The problem with Giardello was dedication,he wasn't often in top shape,in shape he goes close with anyone.After 10 years as a contender Giardello finally ,at 33 got a shot at the title beating Tiger by dec,on his best night he would be very competitive wth Monzon.
Giardello was a quality boxer imo, he just wont be good enough to beat Monzon, thats what i see it comin' down to personally. Stylistically, i see it bein' good for Monzon also, if Joey boxed clever with his jab he might have some good success, but he will be outjabbed mostly i think and will be gotten with big punches that take their toll on his stamina. Monzon will take a decision imo
cant see giardello winning this one. he was clever and had a hard chin. certainly good enough to frustrate the hard hitting but cruder fighters like tiger and carter..........but monzon would be too much. he may not have been the most talented middleweight, but he made few mistakes. giardello would last the route, but lose a rather wide ud.
Joey Giardello was an excellent, tough and above all clever fighter/boxer who would nonetheless be no threat to defeat Carlos Monzon. Monzon would have lost some rounds to be sure, mostly early rounds, but the puzzle would have been figured out in the mid rounds and he would have basically shut down Joey's offense and his superior strength and roughness, along with the ever present danger of that big right hand of his would have reduced any threat Giardello could mount. Monzon would have punished Giardello badly in the last 5 rounds and it would be a testament to Joey's toughness and defensive skills to have survived 15 rounds. A one sided decision for Monzon. Giardello was a tough guy, and he sure would have taken some punishment in this one.