When I think back to the 1960's when perhaps the toughest fighters in the middleweight division were still around, each one of them had something special about them. At different times in the top 10 under the Champ Joey Giardello, was the iron two handed puncher Dick Tiger, thunderous and fast handed puncher Rubin Carter, rugged Jose Monon Gonzalez, devastating left hooker Florentino Fernandez, and the multitalented Holly Mims, George Benton, and Joey Archer. Also guys like Gene Fullmer, Henry Hank, and so many others were so strong and tough.

I was in Carter's training camp in 1964 for the bout against Joey and I watched Joey's style very closely in all his bouts, how Joey Giardello would tie you up and worked you inside and left hook you to the belly while on the move, how he feinted you out of position and made you lead, and then countered you, all masterfull stuff. He'd make you reach for him then bang you with the right hand and before you could respond he would circle out of range and jab you off balance. Very tough, very knowledgeable. Forget about hurting him, you had to go the distance always vs Joey. I saw him take body shots too that many guys would go down on, but not Joey, he would just act like nothing hurt him ever. Amazing athlete.

I was in the basement of the old Garden with Dick Tiger training with him for his title fight with Joey in 1965 with some other sparring partners, like Candy McFarland. I weighed 146-150 lbs so I had to move pretty good against these guys keeping them off balance. But I must admit I have never seen anyone more tough than Joey. He always gave his best, never quit, and had such courage and boxing skill, I always respected and admired the Champ the way he handled himself in there with Robinson, Fullmer, Rubin, Tiger, Hank, Benton, Durando and all the others. They do not make men like that anymore. I always admired his sportmanship and bravery.

I remember one day he said to me, "Ronnie, you know my style and all the middleweights of the 60's the best," That was a great compliment from a great Champ, he knew I had been with Carter and Tiger in opposite camps but he always treated me with respect and I him. If you asked me as a boxing historian who was the toughest fighter ever, I would have to say Giardello, his quality of opposition, his chin, and he never let the fans down.

In those days, you signed to fight Joey you better bring a lunch, because you are going to be in there all night. Plus he never ducked any fighter and gave everyone a chance, he was totaly fearless.

Respectfully,

Ron Lipton

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