15 rounds at middleweight...Two powerful middleweights. Who takes it? I'll take Tiger to take a convincing decision or late stoppage over Valdez. This would be a brutal fight, and with Valdez's power he would definitely hurt Tiger on occasion. But Tiger would hurt Valdez as well...Valdez would trade because Tiger would force him into that type of fight...Tiger would start to dominate the exchanges and push Rodrigo back... In my opinion, It could be a possible stoppage for Tiger in 14.
Interesting matchup, While I do believe Tiger was the greater fighter, I think Valdez would have won a decision had they met. Valdez was the beter combination puncher of the two, and probably the harder hitter as well. Both men had granite chins, although Tiger had the quicker hands IMO but he was slow on his feet which will work in Rodrigo`s favour here as Tiger will be shuffling forward all night while the Columbian will be keeping his distance looking to keep the fight on the outside. Valdez could box very well and could fight off the backfoot when necessary, and I think he would have done just that and gotten the better work done during the course of the fight. Tiger was so damn strong in close and Valdez would have surely known that and would have fought accordingly. Rodrigo would have stood his ground at times and traded in the pocket with Tiger to assert himself, but ultimately he would box his way to victory and land the more meaningful punches throughout. Valdez SD Tiger
I thought you'd go for Tiger, RB. You seem to agree with me though, except Valdez wouldn't stick to the outside as much as you imply. He'd fight similarly to when he knocked out Bennie Briscoe. I believe Valdez could stand toe-to-toe with Tiger and compete with him on even terms; but his slight edge in boxing ability (the jab was a bit more useful) would turn it for him. If I could select two or three fantasy match ups to become a reality, this might be the first one I'd choose.
Manassa, I was leaning at first towards Tiger to be honest, but after watching a bit of film on both men I started leaning towards Valdez. I do think that Rodrigo was durable enough to stand in the pocket and trade with Tiger, but ultimately I think he will try and keep the fight a distance. The reason for that being that Tiger was just so strong physically and had pretty quick hands, and in close those two attributes would serve him well against the dangerous Columbian. Valdez would have boxed at Clancy`s urging, as like you say he was the better boxer and Gil would have kept reminding him to keep the Tiger at a distance.
Thanks for the opinions fellows...I really like this match-up as well. What made me side with Tiger were his performances against Fernandez, Gonzalez,Rouse, and Torres...In the Gonzalez and Rouse fights, I was very impressed with Dick's power with his left hook, against a very tough middle and a light heavy. Also in Torres, he fought a large and fast light heavy opponent....I don't know of too many middleweights that might be capable of that feat. Overall, Tiger had a wonderful resume of two time legitimate middle champion and light heavy champion. Two awesome fighters, Tiger and Valdez. Addendum: I just feel that Tiger would be a much more dangerous opponent, than Briscoe was for Valdez
