BoxRec

Just rewatched this recently. Notions that this fight was a robbery are ridiculous. I scored it 9-5-1 for Giardello; Carter came out to an early lead but Giardello masterfully used a body attack to wear Carter down and feints and movement to keep Carter off-balance.

Giardello is such an under-rated and overlooked fighter. Was #1 contender for years, fighting practically a who's who list of great welterweight and middleweight fighters in a DEEP era, often more than once. Then finally gets his shot in his early 30s vs Tiger. Was interesting to see his style evolve as he got older as well . . he was always a boxer-puncher but he became more of the boxer and less offensive minded by the time he was champion. His 3rd fight vs Tiger and the fight with Carter are masterclasses of smart boxing.

That all said, Carter was a beast. I do think in weaker, more modern eras at 160 he would've likely held a title or at least had more consistent success (he wouldn't beat Monzon, Hagler, or Hopkins but I think he was better than (the over-rated) Valdez and could've beaten any other fighter who's held a strap at middleweight . . including Roy.

And while on the losing end, he would've likely been Marvin's best win vs a true middleweight . . definitely would be Bernard's best win.

Duce who are some of your favorite boxers of all-time?

Valdez would have eaten Carter alive. God I would have loved to have seen that. He would have beaten Carter like he was his daddy.

Have to agree Valdez was a clear cut above Carter.

Agree with everything you said Dempseyfire, up until your comments about Valdez. Rodrigo was a helluva fighter. Great power, stamina, and chin. In his prime no one would have an easy time with him. He'd have given Carter a real beating.

How I scored Giardello v Carter
Joey Giardello vs Rubin "Hurricane' Carter

R1. 5-4 RC
R2. 5-4 JG
R3. 5-5 Even
R4. 5-4 RC
R5. 5-4 JG
R6. 5-4 RC
R7. 5-4 JG
R8. 5-4 JG
R9. 5-5 Even
R10. 5-4 JG
R11. 5-5 Even
R12. 5-4 JG
R13. 5-4 JG
R14. 5-4 JG
R15 5-4 RC

Joey Giardello 71-67

At his best, Carter could give almost anyone a tough fight. However, he was very inconsistent and could lose to fighters he should have beat.
I think Giardello and Valdez were both underrated. Giardello always seems to be an after thought when great middleweights are discussed. Valdez should be been elected to the Hall of Fame many years ago.