Nino Valdes vs. Bob Baker (2nd meeting)
Nino Valdes 207 lbs lost to Bob Baker 213 lbs by UD in round 10 of 10
- Date: 1955-12-07
- Location: Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Referee: Tony LaBranch 95-97
- Judge: Herb Williams 91-99
- Judge: Charley Bill 92-98
The Associated Press described the fight as a "dull 10-rounder, fought to the tune of 'Jingle Bells' and 'Let me call you sweetheart' and a steady chorus of boos from the 8,380 fans who paid $63,392 to see the Cleveland News' annual Christmas fund show." This was Baker's 13th straight victory.
"The much-heralded meeting of Bob Baker and Nino Valdes last night at the Cleveland Arena served only to bolster the position of Archie Moore as No. 1 contender. Baker plodded to a unanimous decision over Valdes in a dreary match that probably eliminated both from consideration. Valdes seemed unable to untrack himself against Baker, who failed to take advantage of the situation by stepping back every time he landed a punch or two. The best punch of the fight was a right by Baker in the 4th that drove Valdes to the ropes. It was the closest thing to a knockdown in a knockdown-free bout." -Associated Press
- Unofficial AP scorecard - 99-90 Baker
- Unofficial UP scorecard - 98-92 Baker
- Purses: Both fighters received a flat $11,000 apiece
Post fight comments
- "I had him in trouble in the 4th and 5th rounds and should have finished him off. I guess I'll have to fight Archie Moore now before I'll ever get a shot at Marciano." -Bob Baker
- "What do we want fighting Baker? Archie knocked out Baker in Miami in '54 and beat Valdes in Las Vegas in May. The only fight for Marciano is a rematch with Moore." -Charlie Johnston, Moore's manager