 He made his first official appearance on September 11, 1920 (at age 15) in a fight in Havana, his native city, where he defeated Diego Blanco in the fourth round.Valdés continued to fight throughout the 1920s, dividing his fights between Havana and New York City.Although he was neither large nor a power hitter, he was known for throwing opponents off guard by attacking with agility and angled punches.