Rodrigo Valdez vs GMAN

I wouldn't say he was a spent force, perhaps more a worn one like a Larry Holmes by the Spinks fight. Both fought stylistic drama's.

Bearing in mind Mantequilla's insightful comments i disagree per Corro. The most difficult style for Valdez was obviously going to be movers. Corrie would have been a bit of a pain.

Yes, and Vito would have been right in front of him. Awkward bugger tho.

We need to dig deeper here tho. The Briscoe KO was one of those very rare things that happen every so often, like SRR's KO of Fullmer. This was the only time Briscoe was ko'd i think (despite fighting way past prime), and don't forget Briscoe went the full 12 with him prior to the KO fight too. The second fight stoppage was never going to be the norm, but the freakish exception. I myself wouldn't hold this up as proof Valdez was over the hill. Briscoe was one tough SOB. To stop him in their second fight was fantastic.

Also, i have the second fight and thought Bennie did his fair share of good work, not sure i'd agree he was dazzled. Great fight.

Possibly, tho their fights weren't as brutal as Ali - Frazier.

Fair enough.

 

The other nig thing Valdez has going for him in this matchup is a major set of whiskers. If you are going to beat McClellan you simply can't have a vulnerable chin. Valdez doesn't and he was always in top shape. He didn't take a lot of chances in there either & I think a no risk/lets get this fight past 6 rounds is a key to beating McClellan.

It wouldn't be easy, but I think Valdez stops him late once the bout becomes a matter of conditioning/ absorbing the other guy's punches/chin.

 

As if Valdez ever met a puncher of McClellan's caliber. If Gerald lands a clean right hand, it's all over for Valdez, but he'd still outpoint G-Man in 9 fights out of 10, bad matchup for Gerald.

 

For sure, but Senya just means for pure power. Not the most skillfull, but Gerald did have incredible power. Of course he was coming in much heavier than Valdez and Bennie too.

 

You have to remember that Valdez turned pro at the age of 17 and had 70-someodd fights by then. He was more likely than not at the end of the line.

 

Good points for sure, but still nothing like Leonard's plight comparison wise. He was proven to be at the end of the line 6 years earlier, and hadn't fought since.

Didn't actually realise Valdez was pro so young tho, i must admit.

 

Rodrigo turned pro in 62 at age 16. Is it not so much age as it is longevity?
An all-time great!
I'd love to put him in a time machine and drop him into some of the past eras....

 

Indeed, which is exactly what LS said.

 

As if McClellan ever KO'd an elite fighter with a quality chin.

 

Basically the way I see it. Valdez's superior technique is the deciding factor.

 

McClellan's is the hardest right hand in middleweight history. Briscoe is not even close for punching power.