Former Colombian MW Champ Rodrigo Valdez dies RIP Champ

One of my favorite fighters...ever...I was just referring to him in the "greatest middleweights" thread. I hope that he'll get his just dues for being the great fighter he was. R.I.P. champ!

 

RIP Valdez . May the Lord guide your soul into the gates of heaven.

 

Thanks, J!!!! Rocky was super!! RIP Senor Valdez

 

We've lost to many great names from boxing these past few years. Very sad to hear another one gone.

 

RIP Champ.

 

Sad news. He was a great fighter.

 

Could have been a MW Champ in ANY era. R.I.P. warrior! In the history of prize fighting, you won't find many who could unleash such a two fisted brutal attack at a moment's notice as Rocky could. And could have had an even greater legacy; one of many South American fighters who turned pro as a green teenager(16!!) and labored on home turf for years before getting world-class recognition and world-class fights! Hey Red! This one breaks my heart, like other athletes, actors, musicians, etc. who suddenly pass. I'll never forget him; a true 'wrecking machine'!
Just googled his passing; nothing noteworthy said. So sad!

 

Alot of the great ones from that era are gone.... RIP Champion.

 

Nooooo! One of my favorite fighters and participated in one of the best fights Ive ever seen.

 

R.I.P. Champ...another one gone...

 

One of my favorite lower weight fighters back in the 70's. Saw all his televised bouts. I remember that I was so sure Valdez would take apart Monzon. I then watched as Monzon schooled Rodrigo for 30 rounds. I remember watching the bout mid fight completely bored that Valdez could do nothing to get around the Monzon jab..... round after round.

 

R.I.P. Rodrigo Valdez

 

I am sorry to learn that Rodrigo Valdez, one tremendous fighter, has passed away. Was Valdez's legacy hurt when he swas a virtual shell of his former self almost overnight by the time he fought Hugo Corro, one of the most unwatchable world champions ever? I hope that Valdez's family, friends and fans accept my condolences.

- Chuck Johnston

 

Gil Clancy had Rodrigo Valdez (and Emile Griffith), and both failed against Monzon. Valdez's best shot probably was the first Monzon fight, but Valdez's brother (?) died 2 weeks before the fight and Rodrigo's heart wasn't in the fight. ("in 1976, Monzon won by a fifteen-round unanimous decision to unify the WBA and WBC titles. They had a rematch the following year, and Monzon once again won by a fifteen-round unanimous decision.")