WHO IS EDWIN VALERO ?

Only hardcore boxing fans and boxing writers can tell you about Edwin Velero. He is a power punching lightweight from Venezuela, who can't get a big fight. He has trouble getting big names and getting fights in America because of a motorcycle accident. In February of 2001 he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that broke his skull and caused a blood clot. Only 17 months after his accident and blood clot removal he turn pro with a first round KO. Many people would have given up their dream to become a champion let alone box, but he didn't. He knocked out his first 17 opponents in the first round, a world record that was recently broke by Tyrone Brunson. He is undefeated and has beaten all of his 25 opponents by knock out, to give him a 100% KO percentage. He is quick and has fast hands with devastating power which he destroys his opponents with. People will dismiss him as a fighter who hasn't fought anyone and that may be true. It is not easy knocking out every opponent you face, I don't care who you are. That is why I will be watching him when he fights Hector Velazquez on Saturday night. In his biggest test as a professional he TKOed the power punching veteran Antonio Pitalua in only 2 rounds. I like fighters who fight with everything and and throw every punch with bad intentions. May be he is undefeated and has KOed everyone he has faced because of that lack of competition, but lets at least give him a chance. Let Edwin Valero get his licence in America and let him fight top competition so we can see who he really is. All I know is when you see him hit the pads and more importantly you hear echo of the powerful thud of his fists hitting pads you will be a believer. Don't get me wrong I'm not crowning him king or saying he is better then he is but I know he is a special power puncher. Hopefully he will get a chance to prove it on Saturday against Velazquez and then against the young southpaw Antonio DeMarco. You have to love a guy with the Venezuelan flag and a portrait of Hugo Chavez tattooed on his chest. This is a man that is risking his own health to fight and he should get a chance against the best. There are a ton of big names at 135 that he could face including, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Katsidis, Ali Funeka just to name a few. If he can get a big name he could jump up to 140 and you already know the names there. I just hope he can get his chance to prove fight in big names because there is nothing worse then wasted talent.

Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com