Carlos Monzon Ends Legendary Career Against Rodrigo Valdez

The undisputed middleweight champion overcame Rodrigo Valdez before retiring after his final title defense in Monaco.

Carlos Monzon closed his career on July 30, 1977, by defeating Rodrigo Valdez in a grueling 15-round rematch at Stade Louis II in Monaco. After surviving the only knockdown of his title reign, the undisputed middleweight champion retired with his WBA, WBC and Ring titles still in his possession.

The rematch at Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, Monaco, completed Monzon’s seven-year run atop the division. Roughly 3,000 fans watched the 34-year-old Argentine defend his WBA, WBC, and Ring championships one last time before walking away from boxing with a reported $500,000 purse. Valdez collected $150,000 for one last opportunity to dethrone the champion.

Valdez, 31, entered the ring determined to avenge the unanimous decision defeat he suffered against Monzon in the same venue the previous year. The Colombian made an immediate statement by dropping Monzon in the second round, the first time the champion had visited the canvas in approximately 13 years. The knockdown briefly suggested the aging champion might finally be vulnerable.

Instead, Monzon settled into the disciplined style that frustrated challengers throughout his reign. Using his height, reach and accurate jab, he gradually took control while forcing Valdez to absorb clean punches from long range. The fight changed once Monzon opened a deep cut over Valdez’s left eye. Damage soon developed around the right eye as well, leaving blood streaming down the challenger’s face through the championship rounds.

Valdez refused to retreat, continuing to press the action despite the punishment. Monzon landed the cleaner punches down the stretch as fatigue gradually slowed the challenger.

The judges awarded Monzon a unanimous decision by scores of 147-144, 145-143 and 144-141 after 15 demanding rounds. Valdez required hospital treatment for stitches following the bout after absorbing severe facial damage.

Moments after the victory, Monzon announced his retirement.

“I think I showed everyone I’m one of the great ones. But it’s over now. I’m going to start living like a human being tonight.”

The victory closed one of boxing’s greatest middleweight careers. Monzon never fought again, retiring as the undisputed champion after seven years atop the division. Valdez returned four months later to defeat Bennie Briscoe for the vacant middleweight championship, ensuring that the final challenger of Monzon’s reign also became the man who succeeded him.