both in their absolute prime at middleweight(joey beat a shop worn srr when they fought) both master boxers and great defensive wizzards who walking away with the win and how?
Robinson imo, though the jab and quality of Giardello's counters and shots will make life difficult for SRR at times, just not enough imo he will do. Just stylistic, Robinson will pound out a decision, and Giardello will do well but just not press the action quite enough. Thats my humble one.
Robinson was nearly 42 when a 33 year old Giardello beat him flooring him along the way.The story goes that Ray didnt want the fight explaining to the promoter,"it's an awful hard fight at this stage in my career,I would have to be in real good shape". The promoter asked him if he had a Ring Record book available Robinson fetched it out ,they went over Giardello's record Ray said some thing like" I hadn't realised Joey had fought so many tough ones I'll take the fight",That's the story.Prime for prime Ray wins by dec ,but no middle weight would have an easy night against a motivated ,fit Giardello.
It could go either way. Whats often forgoting is Giardello is no spring chicken either at 33. I make Robinson the favor, but its one of thsos close fights that could go either way imo.
It is safe to say SRR wins it but truth is Joey Giardello had the tools to handle him. There has never been a middleweight that Joey couldn't beat on a given night. In top shape and motivated Joey was as good as they come. He was tough as nails, boxed well, took a heck of a punch and possessed exceptional all-around ability.
