Rodrigo Valdes vs. Bennie Briscoe (1st meeting)

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Rodrigo Valdes 157 lbs beat Bennie Briscoe 157 lbs by UD in round 12 of 12

"It was a battle of contrasting offensives - Bennie Briscoe's heavy work was on the inside to the body while Rodrigo Valdes preferred to be a head-hunter. Valdes, fighting out of Gil Clancy's New York stable, was extremely cautious in the first two rounds while Briscoe pressed the attack. Rodrigo brought the crowd to its feet in the 3rd when he staggered Briscoe with a terrific right hand. After the 3rd round, the fight took on new dimensions, Valdes now had strong confidence, fighting in close but Briscoe was taking a lot of punches on his elbows, shoulders and chest. In the later rounds Briscoe nullified Valdes' attack by driving him into the ropes but the Latin middleweight continued to score impressively to the head. Valdes' right eye gave his trainers some worry in the late rounds but he finished with both optics open." -Boxing Illustrated, January 1974 issue

Scorecards (all for Valdes)

  • Referee Paul Merignac - 60-55
  • Judge Fritz Friedland - 58-51
  • Judge Jose Gzengel - 60-51


  • Venue - Salle Omnisport Stadium
  • Gate - $85,000
  • Attendance - 2,500
  • Purses - Both fighters guaranteed $15,000

Post fight comments

  • "Valdes is a smart fighter...he faked several times like he was hurt but it was a trap I did not fall into." -Bennie Briscoe
  • "Bennie fought for three full minutes of every round while Valdes usually only fought the final minute. I guess that's what caught the judges eye. As far as I'm concerned it's a hollow victory and a rematch is a must." -Arnold Weiss, Briscoe's manager
  • "I thought the voting was fair but the point spread of something like nine was ridiculous. I talked with the commission after the fight and suggested that the officials be given further schooling on the proper way to score a fight." -George Kanter, matchmaker, who scored it 6-4-2 for Valdes.
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