.jpg)
For a fighter who had experienced many setbacks in recent years, WBC Lightweight champion Edwin Valero seemed poised for a big 2010 campaign. On February 6th of this year the Venezuelan completely controlled highly talented challenger Antonio DeMarco over nine lopsided rounds. Valero?s precise punching and overall power was too much for his Tijuana foe to handle and DeMarco didn?t answer the bell for the tenth round.
The win introduced Valero to many US households and talks of potential opponents such as Manny Pacquiao, Timothy Bradley, and Lamont Peterson began circulating. Win or lose it appeared as though Valero was set to move up to 140 pounds and receive his coveted shot. But that is now all in question as word from his native Venezuela has spread that the 28-year old pugilist was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife.
Valero’s wife was later taken to a hospital in nearby Los Andes and was said to be suffering from a list of injuries including a collapsed lung and multiple bruises. It was also reported that several of the doctors spoke to the media and questioned Valero?s mindset, as he appeared to be abrasive while threatening staff members.
While it is unknown what is going to happen from this point forward this could potentially be a crippling blow to Valero and his championship aspirations. When taking a look back at his career everything is put into perspective.
Career progression
Valero was born in Merida, Venezuela and began boxing at the age of two, eventually becoming a Venezuelan amateur champion for three years as well as a Central and South American champion, beating Francisco ?Panchito? Bojado in the process.
He began his professional career on July 9th, 2002 with a first round stoppage over Eduardo Hernandez in Caracas. Over the next four years he fought mainly in Venezuela while also branching out to Panama, Argentina, France, and even California on repeated occasions. Through eighteen professional fights he amassed an 18-0 record with all of his victories coming by way of first round knockout.
By that time noted columnist Doug Fischer of the Ring, who was then contributing to MaxBoxing, began heaping heavy praise on Valero, claiming him to be a diamond in the rough and one to look out for. Valero backed those proclamations with honor in August of 2006 by stopping Vicente Mosquera in ten wild rounds to capture the WBA Jr. Lightweight championship of the world.
He defended his belt four times before moving up in weight in April of 2009 to face off with Antonio Pitalua for the vacant WBC Lightweight strap. Valero would stop his elder in the second round and defended his belt on two occasions afterwards, the last being his domination over DeMarco. At the moment his record stands at 27-0 with 27 knockouts.
Life struggles
Valero?s career is certainly one that has seen its share of roadblocks, drama, and frustration.
In February of 2001 Valero was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, one it which he was without his helmet. He ended up fracturing his skull and required surgery to remove a blood clot. This occurred before he began his professional career and while he claimed to be cleared by a doctor to fight in Venezuela, the injury would later come back to cause him much trouble.
Valero was signed by Golden Boy Promotions following his 12th professional fight and he was scheduled to make his HBO debut on the network?s Boxing After Dark series shortly thereafter. In January of 2004, however, Valero would fail an MRI due to brain scan irregularities in New York and was banned from fighting in the United States. He would continue to fight outside of America and as of March 25, 2008 he had been cleared to box in Texas.
In September 27th, 2009 it was reported that Valero had been arrested for charges of assuault, as a man claimed that he had attacked his mother and sister following an argument. Valero was quick to deny the allegations, citing them as a ploy to damage his reputation. The latest incident only further adds to his troubles in life.
End of the road?
Valero?s future is certainly in question now and depending on what happens regarding his latest situation he may not ever find himself in the ring again. While bouts with Pacquiao and Bradley may have been cases of him biting off more than he could chew a step up one division north agaisnt Peterson seemed like an ideal move towards future recognition in America. Unfortunatley now Valero?s biggest battles may be outside of the ring.
The sport of boxing is full of stories of both hope and heartbreak. For years Edwin Valero was known merely as a Youtube sensation and many wondered if he ever would cross the threshold and fully fulfill his potential. Just as he was beginning to make a serious name for himself he could have everything taken away from him. It could be a heartbreaking ending but such is the way of boxing and such is life.
