For the first time in what seems to be decades, boxing got some things right. A little over a week ago, Edwin Valero fought Antonio Demarco on Showtime in Mexico. While insignificant to the average sports fan, this match was an incredible display of what boxing can be.
For one thing, it was the first time that Valero has fought on a big network. Valero is a mean puncher that has accumulated a perfect record of 27-0, with all of his victories coming by way of knockout or technical knockout. In the past you would have to watch Valero on Youtube from cruddy cameras. This is the first time that the public was able to witness his awesome potential.
To his credit, he put on a show that displayed a ton of talent and skill. He showcased not only his infamous powerhouse punches, but combinations, movement and defense. Al Bernstein said it best when he claimed that Valero looked like a less-polished Manny Pacquiao. I would even say that at this point in his career, with no big fights under his belt, Valero is a little further along than Pacquiao was.
Valero is unable to fight in the States due to a brain injury acquired after a motorcycle crash, which has made him unable to acquire a boxing license. Because of this, Valero has fought mainly south of the border, cleaning up weaker fighters. Demarco was supposed to provide somewhat of a challenge, with his height and jab. But it was clear from the get-go that Demarco was overmatched, as he continually took solid left-hand shots until he was unable to get off his stool after the ninth round.
Valero is brash, tough and is a great character for boxing. His defense isn’t the best, so he is as prone to take a punch as to throw one – which is the most entertaining style of fighting. He looks like a cave man coming to the ring, with his wild untamed hair flopping about. Add to this a giant tattoo on his chest of the flag of his native Venezuela, and he looks like one bad-ass dude.
While the fight itself was solid, there were many other reasons as to why this event was enjoyable. For the first time in my life, I am going to congratulate a boxing organization. I owe a thank-you to the World Boxing Council. The WBC brought in an open-scoring format, which has meant that judges now released their scores for each round immediately after writing them it down. The ringside announcer then tells the score to the crowd and fighters, while the TV announcers offer commentary. Letting the fighters hear the scores was a genius idea; now the fighter who is down in the later rounds knows he has to knock the other fighter out. While it’s been a long time coming, the WBC should still be commended to providing the scores during the fight.
Finally, Showtime got it right – they hired a good announce team. HBO’s boxing commentary has been slipping since the early 2000’s. Larry Merchant is older than the sport itself, Emmanuel Stewart shouts blindly at the screen and Jim Lampley is forced to attempt to comment on the event all by himself.
However, Showtime now has a perfect duo of Gus Johnson and Bernstein. Johnson was born to announce boxing, and between calling football, pro basketball, college basketball and now boxing, it’s clear to see that he is the best play-by-play guy in the business today. I can’t say enough about how impressive it is to hear him call a fight. Bernstein is the perfect complement to Johnson. Bernstein is a mild-mannered guy who has been around the sport forever. He brings the viewer interesting facts, thoughts and anecdotes. Between the two of them, they enhance the fight a great deal.
Thank you Valero, WBC and Showtime – you put on one heck of a show.
