Previous WBA Super Featherweight Champion and WBC Lightweight Champion Edwin Valero was detained for allegedly murdering his wife on Sunday April 18. He was found later hanging by his own clothes, having committed suicide. He was only 28. The southpaw was a legend in the making and had yet to be defeated. He had 27 wins to his name, all from knockouts and 19 of those in the first round.
Caracas the scene of tragedy
It is alleged that Edwin Valero left his hotel room near dawn on Sunday, and told hotel security he had murdered his wife. Jennifer Viera, 24, was found dead by police from multiple stab wounds. He was arrested, and when awaiting charges, Valero hung himself, according to the Huffington Post, by his own sweat pants.
Valero marks the third high profile pugilists’ death in the last few years. Former champion Alexis Arguello was found dead from a gunshot, and Arturo Gatti was dead from asphyxiation. Arguello’s death hasn’t been ruled on, but Gatti’s was considered a suicide.
A talent unmatched but tarnished
Edwin Valero had no peer. Fighters with his knockout power are few, and southpaws like him are fewer. He went undefeated for 27 fights, all knockouts, 19 of which in the first round, breaking a record that stood since 1905. His first 18 fights as a professional were all first round knockouts, making him a phenomenon.
Injury marred his career
He sustained an injury when motorcycling without a helmet, which almost killed his career within the crib. He didn’t fight in the US between 2003 and 2009, as many state governing agencies wouldn’t license him to fight as a result of his injury. He returned to the states in 2009, defeating Antonio Pitalua in Texas, by referee stoppage (TKO) within the second round for the vacant WBO Lightweight title. There are few boxers who could match his power, pound for power.
Assault allegations
There were a number of assault allegations against Valero, but nothing came of it. In March of 2010, he was ordered to get six months of rehabilitation and counseling. The cause of the Edwin Valera wife murder suicide. Might his family and friends discover some measure of peace during these times.
No comments:
Post a Comment