If Joey did what he did best, he would have won a decision over Zale, like Billy Conn did, although Conn was bigger than Giardello.
Joey's wins over Carter and Tiger tell me that he can handle what Zale brought to the table. As always though, you have to be wary of rib and liver damage under Zale's body assault -it could change matters in a moment. Chances are: Joey plays matador and takes a UD.
Coincidentally, Ted Carroll of the Ring Magazine drew parallels between Giardello and Graziano after a string of impressive knockouts by Joey, but in hindsight the two were on opposite ends of the spectrum. Nothing in Zale’s arsenal, not the left hook, not the crippling body punching, nothing will throw Giardello off of his course save a fight threatening cut; in the words of Henry Hank, “Who knocks out a Giardello?”. Joey was as crafty and durable as they come and would feint, work the jab, and stun Zale with those beautifully timed right hands en-route to a clear decision.
