Mike McCallum V Rodrigo Valdaz?

JohnThomas1 · Aug 10, 2021

Jel said: ↑

If we'd never seen Valdez kayo Briscoe, no-one would predict that outcome in a hypothetical matchup between the two. But, even so, I don't think Mike McCallum is getting stopped here. Until the last couple of posts from @AwardedSteak863 and @JohnThomas1, I thought McCallum was being sold a little short in ths thread. I think this is a close and competitive fight that could go either way.

McCallum is slick enough to cause Valdez problems imo. The only question for me is whether he has enough pop at this weight to find a way to discourage Valdez.

I really like this matchup and think it could have been a classic, somewhat in the style of Toney-McCallum 1. I give Valdez a slight edge as the natural middleweight and carrying the greater power to take a close decision but it would be nip and tuck all the way.
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Good post. I could accept a result either way. McCallum would have to employ plenty of lateral movement and keep turning Valdez and his big power. Ironically McCallum, like Valdez, wasn't overly suited to speed and movement. McCallum isn't fast one bit and doesn't overly move but his footwork is better than that of Valdez and that's where he could take it.

Agree with your concerns over McCallum's pop i think he gets overrated as a puncher even at 154 where he was certainly respectable but despite the Curry result never a real banger. At 160 he's not going to worry many quality chins in a hurry and Valdez could certainly ship a punch.

Fergy · Aug 11, 2021

Jel said: ↑

If we'd never seen Valdez kayo Briscoe, no-one would predict that outcome in a hypothetical matchup between the two. But, even so, I don't think Mike McCallum is getting stopped here. Until the last couple of posts from @AwardedSteak863 and @JohnThomas1, I thought McCallum was being sold a little short in ths thread. I think this is a close and competitive fight that could go either way.

McCallum is slick enough to cause Valdez problems imo. The only question for me is whether he has enough pop at this weight to find a way to discourage Valdez.

I really like this matchup and think it could have been a classic, somewhat in the style of Toney-McCallum 1. I give Valdez a slight edge as the natural middleweight and carrying the greater power to take a close decision but it would be nip and tuck all the way.
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I'll second John's post, Jel, and say good post.
I see a close fight myself. No Kds but at times, on the end of your seat rounds. Both guys pushing themselves to their best to get the win.
Split dec for Valdez imo but maybe even a draw.

Stevie G · Aug 11, 2021

Richard M Murrieta said: ↑

Rodrigo Valdes, he was the naturally heavier fighter, he was a counterpuncher, good defense, and a hellacious right hand. He sent Bad Bennie Briscoe to the canvas for the full count on May 25 1974 to win the WBC Middleweight Title. Carlos Monzon tasted that right hand in round 2 of their July 30 1977 rematch in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Monzon got up to win on points, then retired. Mike McCallum was a damaging body puncher, The Body Snatcher as he was known, abused Donald Curry in their 1987 title bout, before knocking him cold. Mike would attempt to attack the body early to set up his right hand. Valdes would be patient, looking to land his right hand in order to call it a night. After several several very close rounds, Rodrigo connects with a hard right hand in round 10 that sends McCallum to the canvas for the full count, this after Valdes in desperation due to a severe cut over his right eye, as Valdes had a history of eye lacerations.
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I concur with all of this,Richard.

Valdez was an excellent boxer and good puncher. So was McCallum but at 160 lbs Rodrigo was just one step higher.

Bronze Tiger · Aug 11, 2021

I think McCallum breaks him down

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Mike McCallum V Rodrigo Valdaz?

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Mike McCallum V Rodrigo Valdaz?

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