I saw both fight.Cerdan/Georgie Abrams and young Giardello/Harold Green. and my money would be on Marcel Cerdan, who at his best would be too busy for the methodical Joey Giardello... P.S. I would also bet my dough for the VASTLY forgotten Georgie Abrams to decision Giardello...Abrams gave prime Robinson hell in 1947, and Abrams also fought the great Charley Burley to a draw in 1940.....
I am quite taken up by the boxing skill of Joey Giardello. But Cerdan, I believe, was the rougher and busier guy. I would just about opt for him in a match-up which could admittedly go either way.
I'll lean towards Cerdan in a tough fight... Giardello's experience and footwork were demonstrated against the power punching Carter, when he would side-step to his left, making Carter miss his vicious left hook all night. Those tactics would work against Cerdan to a certain extent. But Cerdan was very capable of closing distance very well and forcing an inside fight. Giardello had the overall edge by fighting a better level of competition, but leans towards Cerdan forcing the pace. Cerdan by close decision.
I like Giardello in this one. He was a superb boxer but you have to remember he was tough, rough and game. Cerdan's game in this bout would be the pressure and the inside fighting but Giardello aint no bum in those stakes. Whereas when it gets to the outside its all Giardello. And that is the differnce for me.
