Statistical boxing website BoxRec rates Valdés as the 8th best Cuban boxer ever across all weight divisions.

[1] Valdés was a top contender for the heavyweight title during the mid 1950s, although he never received a shot due to his mixed results in the ring.

[2] After a string of four losses to notable fighters such as Harold Johnson, Archie Moore, and Bob Baker in 1952 and 1953, he went undefeated in an impressive run of 11 consecutive victories which saw him defeat Ezzard Charles and Tommy "Hurricane" Jackson.

He continued boxing, losing to heavyweight contenders Zora Folley, Eddie Machen, and Sonny Liston.

After defeating contender Brian London in December 1959, Valdés retired due to eye problems.