What if Rodrigo Valdez vs Emile Griffith at Middleweight?

[scorpio83]

Who would win this match up at middleweight between prime Rodrigo Valdez and Emile Griffith? If both fought in their prime as middleweight champion, Valdez would catch Griffith with good heavy punches after cutting off the ring and ropes to take a decision. If Valdez fought a post-champion Griffith, then Valdez still hit him worst with heavy punches as he either take a decision or a late round stoppage. They never fought because they were both trained and managed by Gil Clancy. What is your opinion?

[oogiebe]

Great question. Valdez was tough (ask Monzon). I would have to pick the bigger man. Valdez in a tough fight by TKO late.

[Ambling Alp II]

You know that it would be a close fight. Almost anytime Griffth fought someone halfway decent it was close. Valdez is an underrated fighter. I guess I would go with Griffith by a close decision.

[oogiebe]

You know that it would be a close fight. Almost anytime Griffth fought someone halfway decent it was close. Valdez is an underrated fighter. I guess I would go with Griffith by a close decision.

Valdez was an unbelievably under rated fighter. Many during Monzon's reign were just that.

[scorpio83]

Good debate of what if Valdez and Griffith were to fight in their primes and we would never know who Gil Clancy would train.

[giacomino]

You know that it would be a close fight. Almost anytime Griffth fought someone halfway decent it was close. Valdez is an underrated fighter. I guess I would go with Griffith by a close decision.

Valdez was an unbelievably under rated fighter. Many during Monzon's reign were just that.

True dat, The Valdez of the two Monzon fights and the one who KO'd Bennie Briscoe in '74 would have been a handful for anyone ever at 160. I would go with Griffith before about '72 and Valdez after that

[oogiebe]

You know that it would be a close fight. Almost anytime Griffth fought someone halfway decent it was close. Valdez is an underrated fighter. I guess I would go with Griffith by a close decision.

Valdez was an unbelievably under rated fighter. Many during Monzon's reign were just that.

True dat, The Valdez of the two Monzon fights and the one who KO'd Bennie Briscoe in '74 would have been a handful for anyone ever at 160.

[oogiebe]

You know that it would be a close fight. Almost anytime Griffth fought someone halfway decent it was close. Valdez is an underrated fighter. I guess I would go with Griffith by a close decision.

Valdez was an unbelievably under rated fighter. Many during Monzon's reign were just that.

True dat, The Valdez of the two Monzon fights and the one who KO'd Bennie Briscoe in '74 would have been a handful for anyone ever at 160. I would go with Griffith before about '72 and Valdez after that

I am a huge fan of Monzon's. I remember when he signed to fight Valdez a second time. I was so freakin' nervous. I couldn't have been more than 9/10 years old. Valdez was the only guy that scared me for Monzon. It certainly wasn't Gratian Tonna

[scorpio83]

The Emile Griffith as middleweight champion would have a chance against Rodrigo Valdez, but the post champion Griffith would lose to Valdez by either decision or getting stopped late in the fight. Those who made your opinion keep up the good work with nice argument.

[Ambling Alp II]

Good debate of what if Valdez and Griffith were to fight in their primes and we would never know who Gil Clancy would train.

Might have been wise to pick the guy Clancy doesn't train.

[oogiebe]

Good debate of what if Valdez and Griffith were to fight in their primes and we would never know who Gil Clancy would train.

Might have been wise to pick the guy Clancy doesn't train.

True that!

[Kalan]

It could go either way.... If Valdez caught you with a big swing like Hurricane Carter caught Griffith... That's it... Valdez caught Benny Briscoe and nobody else ever cooled that guy.. Valdez blew him out with a left hook like passing the salt.

If Griffith used discipline and guile, along with his jab and movement like he didn't with Tiger... The fight is his.

[BoxBuzz]

If I was forced to bet, I'd favor Valdez ever so slightly. Because Griffith would have to keep cool for the entire bout.....and stay totally in the pocket and laser focused. And I think Valdez would likely find an exploitable moment and capitalize on it. I do think it would be a great fight.