Will Edwin Valero-Tim Bradley Happen? Let's Hope So -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Not much time had passed since promoter, Gary Shaw, had watched one of his premiere fighters, Antonio DeMarco, of Mexico, fail to come out for the 10th round of Saturday night's bid to dethrone WBC lightweight (135) champion, Edwin Valero, of Venezuela, when an official from Valero's promoter, Top Rank, approached Shaw with the prospect of pitting Valero against another of his star boxers.

That fighter is 26-year-old WBO junior welterweight (140 pounds) titlist, Timothy Bradley (25-0, 11 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., a slick boxer who is coming off of December's one-sided, 12-round unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Lamont Peterson (27-1, 13 KOs) during which Bradley arguably lost only one round.

Like the 28-year-old Valero, who rose to 27-0 with his 27th knockout, and who has stopped 19 of his rivals in the first round -- including the first 18 of his career -- Bradley appears to be relatively unknown, if not, equally avoided by those fearful of skills.

And like the 5-foot-6 Bradley, the 5-6 Valero showcased much more than some thought that he would in his last fight.

Valero demonstrated boxing skills, defense, an ability to move in behind a jab and set up his power shots, as well as the heart to overcome a cut below his right eye on the cheekbone in the first round, along with a deep gash over his right forehead that resulted from a DeMarco (23-2-1, 17 KOs) second-round accidental elbow shot that also caused a laceration on that same eyelid.

Bradley demonstrated unreal punching power -- he staggered the 5-9 Peterson in the first round and floored him in the third -- as well as speed, head-movement, a general wizardy and the ability to take a good shot.

Top Rank CEO, Bob Arum, says that he wants to move Valero up against Bradley, and he got one of his soldiers to tell Shaw so.

"We're going to look to see if we can make him and a Timothy Bradley fight. It would be a great match," Arum told FanHouse on Saturday night. "We've got to see if Edwin can get a Visa to come into the United States, and we can do it in the United States. I think that it's a really interesting fight."

Arum was referring to some issues that have hurt Valero's exposure -- one being an unresolved problem stemming from a DUI last May, after which he was denied a U.S. visa pending the successful completion of an alcohol education program.

The other situation is the stigma from brain surgery Valero received as the result of a 2001 motorcycle accident that caused a blood clot that was later revealed during an MRI.

Valero was cleared to fight by a Venezuelan doctor following successful surgery that removed the clot, but was placed on indefinite medical suspension by the New York State Athletic and subsequently banned by most athletic associations which supported the NYSAC's move.

At first, however, Shaw wasn't so sure about matching Valero with Bradley. Besides, he wasn't really in the mood for too much talking after DeMarco's setback.

"I would have to speak to Tim Bradley's manager, Cameron Dunkin, and Tim himself, but [Top Rank] did come up to me after the fight and asked me if I could do that fight with them," Shaw told FanHouse on Saturday night from Monterrey, Mexico, where Valero faced DeMarco.

"So yes, it's true, we have spoken about it," said Shaw. "But I don't know if Valero can come to the United States. We don't know if we would bring Bradley (pictured at for right, throwing punch) to Mexico. So it's just talk right now."

But by Tuesday, Shaw had fully embraced the idea of a Bradley-Valero, or, Valero-Bradley matchup -- so much so that he pitched the idea back to Arum for a clash on June 5.

"I have made an offer for Bradley to fight Valero on Showtime on the first Saturday in June. And I'm waiting for a call back from Top Rank to see if they want to enter into a negotiation with me," said Shaw.

"Bradley and Valero -- they're both action fighters. One -- Valero -- comes full speed ahead, and the other, Bradley, is a lot more clever. Bradley holds a 140-pound world championship, and is looked upon by everyone as the No. 1 fighter currently in that division," said Shaw.

"I think that it will be a great fight, and I can't wait for them to take it," said Shaw. "They wanted the fight, they called out Bradley, and, probably, shockingly to them, Bradley said, 'Fine, let's get it done.'"

Bradley and Valero have envisioned moving on to bigger and better things, even as they have expressed frustration at being ignored by other, top-notch fighters.

"Manny Pacquiao is my dream fight. But I'm tired of asking for it. All of the true boxing fans would want to see that fight," Valero, nicknamed, "Dynamite," told FanHouse earlier last week. "They can be sure to know that that fight would be explosive and there would surely be a lot of bloodshed."

Nicknamed "The Desert Storm," Bradley's effort against Peterson earned him honors as FanHouse's Most Dominant Performance Of The Year for 2009.

Bradley told FanHouse in December that he would be willing to face seven-division king, Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) or five-time titlist, Floyd Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs).

"I'd go up to 147 pounds to face any of these guys. And I'm a 140-pounder. I'll do whatever it takes. Even if they tell me that I have to fight this guy and then that guy and that if I beat this guy over here then I have an opportunity," said Bradley. "Just let me know what I need to do to get a fight with [Mayweather.] Just let me know what I need to do. Please let me know."

Although Pacquiao is slated to defend his WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title against Ghana's Joshua Clottey (35-3, 20 KOs) on March 13, and Mayweather, to challenge WBA welterweight super champion, Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) on May 1, the winner of a Valero-Bradley bout might certainly open their eyes.

At any rate, a fight against one another would offer the winner, and, probably both combatants, more open doors to walk through for more lucrative paydays.

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

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Forget Mayweather. How about Valero? -- Eastside Boxing

By Robert Cookson, Eastside Boxing

Edwin Valero did it again, knocking out his 27th consecutive opponent and defending his WBC lightweight title for the second time. It was an impressive performance from the Venezuelan who impressed me with his previously underemployed boxing abilities.

The opponent was a good, solid and tough Antonio DeMarco, who was mercifully rescued by his corner after a systematic nine-round beating. While watching the fight, I couldn’t help be reminded of the Manny Pacquiao of old.. The Pacquiao of a few years ago who was busy and aggressive but some distance from the technically proficient fighter we watch now.

Valero has some of the same traits. He uses his right, from the southpaw stance, mainly as a range finder and is constantly looking to unload his big left.

Pacquiao is, and was, faster but Valero seems to have a more solid look to him. He makes plenty of mistakes, leaving his hands low as he steps into punching range and his lack of head movement are two that might be his undoing, but he does quite a few things well. Valero manages to pressure opponents without throwing punches, through his foot movement and the ever-present threat his power provides. He is also able to step off to the sides and get himself out of the way of trouble quickly. Admittedly, with the latter, he does this through going straight backwards at times but he moves quicker than expected.

There are reports Valero wants to move to 140 pounds, possibly to take on Juan Diaz. Leaving that possible mismatch against a blown-up lightweight, the excitement Valero could bring with him could be immense.

Valero has some problems when it comes to big fights. Chiefly among them is his failure of an MRI scan due to an injury sustained in a motorcycle accident. This has resulted in him being unable to fight in many places across America which has hurt his exposure and, consequently, his value to potential opponents.

However, he has been cleared to box in Texas, a state which hosts Manny Pacquiao - Joshua Clottey in just over a months time.

If Valero can have a fight or two at Light Welterweight and keep his winning streak (maybe even his knockout streak) going then I would like nothing more than to see Pacquiao take on this man as soon as possible.

A match between these two punchers could surely only generate excitement. If it was marketed well it could capture the public’s imagination and become a real monster hit.

Think about the kind of fight it would be, two punchers, fighters, warriors, meeting head-on in the ring, it must surely be a candidate for fight of any year it happens.

Everyone’s disappointed Pacquiao - Mayweather fell through, and it’s a shame it didn’t happen, but, in all honesty, if Floyd won it’d be against yet another fighter who’s seen as the smaller man. If Pacquiao won it’d cement his place as won of the best of his, or maybe even any other, generation. But, lets be honest, if he is one of the best he should be able to get around Valero too...

A side note about the Mayweather - Mosley fight. While this is clearly a very good fight, and one I’m looking forward to seeing, isn’t it just another case of Floyd fighting another fighter who, if he wins, the critics can say he was over-the-hill?

Mosley looked great against a come forward, easy to hit, unloaded Margarito but it mustn’t be forgotten how bad he looked in his fight previous against Mayorga.

Just a thought.

Source: eastsideboxing.com

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Manny Pacquiao-Edwin Valero - Please Make This Fight Happen! -- Eastside Boxing

By James Slater, Eastside Boxing

Immediately after he'd stopped a brave Antonio DeMarco in the 10th-round on Saturday night, improving his perfect record to 27-0(27), WBC lightweight king Edwin Valero again called out fellow southpaw and reigning pound-for-pound star Manny Pacquiao. Saying a fight between he and the Filipino legend is a fight "the whole world wants to see," the lethal-punching Venezuelan made it clear he'd be willing to move up in weight to make the super-fight happen..

Indeed, the word is, "El Inca" will make the move up to 140-pounds in his very next fight (tantalising whispers suggest Valero could possibly fight WBO light-welterweight champion Timothy Bradley in the summer!). Believing he can carry his power - punching power that has seen him win every single one of his pro bouts inside the distance - up with him to 140 and maybe even beyond, Valero is hungry for a mega-match with "Pac-Man." He is not the only one!

As big a fight as Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather would have been (and maybe still will be), a fight between Pacquiao and Valero is something else altogether. Not as big a mainstream fight, a showdown between the two southpaws who carry dynamite in their gloves would be a hardcore fight fans' dream. But what are the chances of it happening, and of Valero being capable of wreaking havoc as a 140-pounder?

First of all, Pacquiao must get past the tough and durable Joshua Clottey in March. No easy fight for Manny, the March 13th clash could even conceivably ruin any talk of a fight with Valero. Secondly, Valero must win his debut at 140-pounds (if this debut IS against the man known as "Desert Storm," there is no guarantee he will do so). But assuming both men do win their next fight, could we see Valero get his wish later this year or early next?

Pacquiao, if he cannot get the winner of Shane Mosley-Floyd Mayweather to agree to fight him this year, would have no name more appealing to the fans than Valero. Though he's a huge enough name to be able to fight just about anybody and have his fans tuning in, Mayweather and Mosley aside, a fight with Valero makes the most sense and has more intrigue to it than any other for Pac-Man. Who wouldn't want to see this fight?

And Valero, at a listed 5'6," is tall enough to be able to move up to 140-pounds. Only a fraction shorter in height than Pacquiao, Valero actually has a slightly longer reach than Manny. And if Valero were able to carry his frightening power up with him, well, his chances of beating even as great a fighter as Pacquiao would have to be looked at as at least pretty good.

The sight the fight would be held at could possibly prove somewhat problematic. It's well known how Valero is unable to fight anywhere in America other than Texas, and a fight the magnitude of Valero-Pacquiao would be best suited to Las Vegas or New York. But the again, Pacquiao-Clottey is taking place in Dallas, Texas, so why not Pacquiao-Valero? Or how about the fight happening in The Philippines? The bout would not make as much money if it happened there, but Manny has fought at home before. Imagine what an occasion it would be for Manny's adoring countrymen to see their hero fight such a big fight in Manila!

Wherever it were staged, and at whichever weight (Manny may not wish to drop back down to 140), this fight would have no trouble at all getting the fans to tune in. Two fast, powerful and talented fighters going at it head-on; what's not to like? Would Pacquiao be able to cope with Valeros' wicked punches and relentless aggression? Would the less-polished Valero be able to deal with Pacquiao's punching power along with his finer overall skills? Could the clash of southpaws possibly go the distance?

These questions and far more besides will hopefully be answered in the coming months. Let's hope the promoters involved recognise how big a deal the making of this fight is to boxing fans!

Source: eastsideboxing.com

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Valero closing on big time -- Sky Sports

Sky Sports

Edwin Valero took a step closer to a big-money showdown with one of the big names in boxing by defending his WBC lightweight title in Mexico on Saturday.

The unbeaten Venezuelan stopped his 27th opponent in succession when Antonio DeMarco failed to answer the bell for the 10th round in his second title defence.

Valero, who gave up his WBA super-featherweight strap in 2008 to continue his reign of terror at 135lbs, dominated the fight despite suffering a deep gash to the right temple following an early accidental elbow.

Despite having only twice been beyond seven rounds, Valero refused to rely on his knockout punch and instead gave DeMarco a working over with multiple combinations and dazzling movement in a battle of the southpaws.

'Dinamita's team could have trouble matching their hard-hitting fighter this year with up-and-coming fighters no doubt keen to swerve the 28-year-old, while Valero is not yet a household name experienced enough to fight the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez or Manny Pacquiao.

And with Marquez likely to fight either Amir Khan or Ricky Hatton this summer, Valero will have to be content with trying to unify the lightweight belts...for now.

Source: skysports.com

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PACQUIAO-VALERO WOULD BE MORE EXCITING THAN A FIGHT AGAINST MAYWEATHER -- PhilBoxing

By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com

The spectacular performance of WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero who hammered interim champion Antonio DeMarco so badly for most of nine rounds that the Mexican’s corner stopped the fight before the start of the tenth has once again revived talk of a clash between the Venezuelan knockout artist and the “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao.

Valero has always wanted to fight Pacquiao and even when visiting the Philippines as guest at Pacquiao’s 30th birthday celebration in December 2008, Valero reiterated his desire to face Pacquiao and predicted he would beat him in an interview with us at the PLDT offices of businessman-sportsman Manny Pangilinan when Valero and former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz paid Pangilinan a courtesy call.

Pacquiao has said he would never back out of a challenge provided the negotiations go well and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum believes a Pacquiao-Valero showdown would be sensational but that Valero will first have to move up to 140 pounds and prove himself at that weight before he get a shot at the reigning pound-for-pound king.

Boxingscene.com’s Rick Reeno spoke to Arum who wants Valero to fight some of the better names at 140 pounds including WBO champion Timothy Bradley to earn a shot at Pacquiao.

Arum told Reeno, "Valero is a very smart guy. He has a real goal. He wants to fight Manny Pacquiao and that's the reason he went with us. But to fight Manny Pacquiao he has to prove himself at 140. He has to get a visa. I won't have any problem getting him licensed in Nevada now that they changed the rule. It used to be where, if you had a bad [MRI] result, you were out. They changed that and Valero's MRIs are perfect."

Arum indicated the plan for Valero would be move up to 140 because he is having trouble making the lightweight limit of 135 pounds.

Like most fight fans as well as the media, Reeno said Arum was impressed with Valero's performance on Saturday. He displayed his ability to box in a fight where most expected DeMarco to play the role of the boxer.

Arum noted Valero “has balls, maybe too much balls. Valero showed that he has a lot more boxing skill than people thought.” Arum added “A fight between him and Manny would be f**king unbelievable."

A clash between the undefeated Valero who has a record of 27 knockouts in 27 fights and Pacaquio because of their aggressive styles produce an action-packed bout that would surely excite fight fans far more than the defensive-oriented Mayweather would against Pacquiao.

Source: philboxing.com

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Different from what was promised -- 15Rounds

By Bart Barry, 15Rounds.com

There’s an old adage in prizefighting – or if there isn’t, there should be – that you can neither trust a knockout victory on a South American’s resume nor a loss on a Mexican’s. Sometime early in a South American’s career someone determines he’s a puncher then uses matchmaking to prove it. Mexicans, meanwhile, can find themselves against former champions in spotty weight classes before their 10th bouts.

More evidence of the South American case comes from Richard Gutierrez, who fought on the undercard of Showtime’s Saturday broadcast from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. In Colombia, Gutierrez was a power-punching terror, starting his career 18-0 (11 KOs). Since coming to the United States, he’s 6-4-1. Such’ll also be the case with the man who just decisioned Gutierrez, Luis Carlos Abregu, whose record in his native Argentina was 19-0 (16 KOs) but who’ll suffer his first loss soon as he fights any current titlist.

Such is not the case with Venezuelan Edwin Valero.

Saturday in Arena Monterrey, Valero defended his WBC lightweight title against Mexican Antonio DeMarco by causing the tall southpaw to quit on his stool after the ninth round. To make a Mexican quit on his stool against a foreigner, in Mexico, is no mean feat. Afterwards, DeMarco explained: “My body did not respond (correctly).”

As is the case every time a prizefighter accuses his body of not responding, what DeMarco meant to say is: “My opponent’s body did not respond (correctly).”

It sure didn’t. DeMarco had the right style for a wild-swinging Venezuelan southpaw who gets in street fights and arrested for DUIs, might be brain-damaged, and keeps his hands low, his mouth open and his head still. DeMarco could blast a guy like that with right-hook/left-cross combos. The Venezuelan boxer-puncher who showed up Saturday with fantastic footwork, better balance and a willingness to clinch? No chance DeMarco could get that guy to respond correctly.

Edwin Valero is not what you think he is. He’s good as you think he is. But he’s not good like you think he is.

The reason DeMarco’s left cross couldn’t find an opponent three inches shorter was because of Valero’s surprising footwork. Valero would see DeMarco’s right shoulder cock – so as to deliver torque to his left cross – and rock from back foot to front. Valero would next drop his head beneath DeMarco’s onrushing left glove. Then he’d pivot 90 degrees to the right and snap his left foot around. By the time DeMarco’s punch was spent, Valero would be set 18 inches behind DeMarco’s back shoulder.

That’s not the maniac we see on YouTube.

Valero does more thinking than reacting. He’s more young Roberto Duran than young Manny Pacquiao. And at 28, he ain’t that young either.

In round 2 against DeMarco, Valero answered some important questions. He got DeMarco to the ropes and started a right jab. DeMarco caught it with his left glove, took a step forward and winged a right hook that fell short. Valero threw an odd right jab to where DeMarco’s head had just been. The jab landed instead on DeMarco’s left glove – pinning it to the top of DeMarco’s head. But DeMarco had already started a left cross. His glove stayed put, and the rest of his arm completed the punch. His left elbow smashed against a spot on Valero’s head halfway between the right eyebrow and hairline.

Valero immediately touched his own elbow. DeMarco charged. Valero signaled again, remembered he was in a fight, blocked a punch, took a step back and signaled once more. Uh oh, you thought, another Kermit Cintron; another hard-punching head case.

Referee Lawrence Cole stopped the action, saw the deep gash on Valero’s forehead and had the doctor take a look. What ensued was fantastic theater. Cleared to fight on, Valero became the savage we were promised. Half his face covered in blood, his wild hair flying, his rat tail swinging, the Venezuelan swam at DeMarco with lefts and rights, barking as he threw them. ¡“El Inca” está aquí!

Then Valero relented. He’d tried DeMarco’s resolve and found it stiff. No need to let the drunkenness induced by another man’s elbow cause sustained carelessness. He committed to taking openings, not forcing them. When the taller man landed solid punches with his longer arms, Valero did not lunge in or hit back. He clinched and reset. Giving up plenty of height, Valero still made his opponent fight on his terms.

When DeMarco initiated, Valero used his legs to leap out of range while keeping his lead hand low, back hand high and chin tucked behind his right shoulder. If Freddie Roach even dreams of Pacman making a defensive move like that, he’ll wake up with wet sheets.

But let’s be honest. Edwin Valero is a weird dude. He has the eccentric look of escaped convicts and college professors. At times he shows a frantic fighting style that will enchant sadists so long as his knockout streak – currently at 27 – does not break. But he also has a foundation, especially in his lower body, that purists will enjoy interrogating; he breaks rules, yes, but that’s very different from being oblivious of them.

He’s too much of a thinker in the ring, though, to be forgiven gang-related activity and a Las Vegas DUI – and if you were in MGM Grand’s media center after Pacquiao-Cotto, you know Bob Arum sure hasn’t forgiven him. If he’d frightened the hell out of DeMarco, making him bless himself countless times before the bell, then blasted him in 90 seconds, we’d shout, “CAT scans and visa issues be damned, get this beast in an American ring!”

Instead, Valero gave us a complicated personage to think on. As he comes from a country that is more antagonist than feel-good-story, marketing him, too, will require a template of its own.

Valero might well become a great fighter. But he might never be more than an internet legend.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter.com/bartbarry

Source: 15rounds.com

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Edwin Valero: more than just a brawler

Boxing News World

Edwin Valero, now 27-0 with 27 knockouts, finally showcased his skills in front of international audience - thanks to premium cable channel SHOWTIME - with his scintillating victory over highly touted Mexican boxer Antonio DeMarco.

It was probably the toughest fight of the Venezuelan’s boxing career, but he proved to many that he could and can handle tough and skilled opponents and that he’s more than just this buzz saw southpaw YouTube sensation who’s known to rely heavily on pure power to knockout his opponents.

In this fight the consummate brawler Valero showed true boxing skills – good footwork, head movement, jabs and solid combinations. He showed patience by not going solely for KO in early rounds without losing his trademark ferocious offensive style. More importantly, he showed that he has a heart of a champion. He could have quitted with that nasty cut he suffered from that vicious unintentional elbow in the second round, but he didn’t.

The 23 yr-old DeMarco was simply out-powered and outclassed. His confidence was shattered by Valero’s sheer strength and determination. It was clear from his body language that as early as round seven that he didn’t want to fight anymore. It was a relief for him when his corner elected to stop the fight after the ninth round. He was behind on points on the scorecards of all three judges at that point.

If Valero continues to win impressively, it won’t be long for him to box in the United States (possibly in Texas) against a top-tier opponent. It also won’t be long before someone accuses him of using performance enhancing drugs.

(marx7204@lycos.com)

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Pacquiao comparisons aside, Edwin Valero impresses by stopping challenger Antonio DeMarco -- Examiner

By Chris Robinson, Examiner.com

Heading into his bout Saturday night against once beaten Antonio DeMarco, there had been more questions that answers about reigning WBC Lightweight champion Edwin Valero. Sporting a 26-0 record, all by knockout, it was obvious that the Venezuelan had something serious to work with inside of the ropes but he was still an enigma to many.

Years back, Ring Magazine’s Doug Fisher, who was then with Maxboxing, began touting Valero as one of boxing’s diamonds in the rough. It seemed as though Valero was poised to break out, as he was signed to Golden Boy Promotions after his 12th pro fight, but in January 2004 he would fail an MRI due to brain scan irregularities and was suspended from fighting in the United States. The failed MRI reportedly stemmed from a February 2001 motorcycle accident in which Valero fractured his skull after failing to wear a helmet.

Valero continued fighting outside of the United States in hopes that he could one day break through and fulfill his championship potential. An August 2006 stoppage over Vincente Mosquera in Panama was a huge moment, as Valero claimed the WBA Jr. Lightweight belt in one of the year’s best fights. In March of 2008 more good news came Valero’s way as he was cleared to fight in the state of Texas, giving him at least a taste of championship level pugilism on American soil. Still, heading into his bout with DeMarco, Valero was known by many as a ‘Youtube sensation’ because of his lack of exposure in the mainstream media and his bout with DeMarco was his chance to introduce himself to the public.

Sporting a 23-1-1 record with 17 knockouts, DeMarco was no slouch and had put together an impressive string of knockout victories over the past few years. Stoppage wins over Almazbek ‘Kid Diamond’ Raiymkulov, Anges Adjaho, and former champion Jose Alfaro all showed DeMarco’s toughness and versatility inside of the ropes. The Alfaro bout took place at the Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas this past October and was an excellent back and forth battle. After stopping his game opponent in the 10th, DeMarco’s people felt they were ready for Valero.

The Valero-DeMarco bout took place in Monterrey, Mexico and the early rounds were somewhat slow. Valero has always come out of the gates with his guns blazing but DeMarco’s style has always seen him start slow and cautiously in the early going. While the action wasn’t noteworthy, the champion took the early lead through his aggression and activity.

In the second round Valero suffered a nasty gash on the right side of his forehead as he was caught with an unintentional elbow from the challenger. The blood came pouring down and it looked as though the fight could possibly be stopped due to the severity of the cut. The contest went on, however, and the turn of events only seemed to light a fire under Valero.

As each round went by Valero increased his activity and began to further seize control of the bout. DeMarco remained poised but he was never able to get into a rhythm or mount an attack. The southpaw champion’s attack was more sound and efficient than in previous fights and he punched hard enough to put his younger foe into a defensive shell for much of the night.

After nine rounds had been completed DeMarco’s corner men elected to stop the fight, seeing no reasonable way in which their man could emerge victorious. The Sinaloa, Mexico native was obviously disappointed but it seemed to be the right move to make. DeMarco can take this as a learning lesson and he still has plenty of time to move forward in his career.

On the other side of the ring Valero could be seen screaming in celebration as he was raised in the air. While he wasn’t able to score an explosive knockout that we have been used to seeing from him in the past, the win still showed his offensive gifts and a newfound patience as a fighter.

During the early rounds of the fight Showtime commentator Al Bernstein made mention that Valero’s style was similar to that of a younger Manny Pacquiao but it’s very clear that the champion is a fighter all his own. While comparisons to the current pound for pound king are far from a slap in the face, Valero is on his own mission in the sport and despite the roadblocks that he has encountered he has found a way to persevere thus far. It will be fun watching how his future fights unfold.

Source: examiner.com

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Video: Valero vs DeMarco, Round 9

Boxing News World

Valero stops DeMarco after 9 rounds -- Yahoo! Sports

By Mark Walsh, Associated Press Writer

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP)—Edwin Valero of Venezuela retained his WBC lightweight belt by stopping Mexico’s Antonio DeMarco on Saturday night.

DeMarco sat in his corner and declined to come out for the 10th round of their title fight. The Mexican was well behind on points and, though he had no obvious injuries, officials said he retired on the advice of his handlers.

When the fight ended, Valero was eight points up on the scorecards of all three judges.

Valero improved to 27-0, with none of his bouts going the distance. DeMarco had only his second career defeat against 23 wins and a draw.

“My physical strength started to show,” Valero said. “Little by little, I started gaining ground. The first three or four rounds I couldn’t hit him with my jab, but then I started to connect.”

Valero picked up a gash across his forehead in the second round, which came from an elbow by DeMarco that was ruled accidental. Valero needed three stitches afterward to close the wound.

Valero said he’d like a fight with Manny Pacquiao, which would force him to move up several weight categories.

“That’s the fight the world wants to see,” the Venezuelan said.

There could be many problems standing in the way of a Pacquiao-Valero fight.

Valero has been denied a U.S. visa because of a drunk-driving charge in Texas. He claims he was turned down because of his strong support for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America.

Valero also had a severe motorcycle accident in February 2001 that left him with a fractured skull and required surgery to remove a blood clot. He eventually failed a pre-fight exam in New York. He was handed an indefinite suspension that effectively banned him from fighting in the United States.

The Venezuelan claimed the belt with a second-round TKO of Antonio Pitalua in April last year, and defended it in December when Hector Velasquez retired after six rounds.

DeMarco took an interim version of the belt with a 10th round TKO of Jose Alfaro in October last year.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

Valero Makes DeMarco Corner Throw In The Towel -- The Sweet Science

By Michael Woods, The Sweet Science

Edwin Valero's reputation hasn't blossomed quite like many thought it would as he amassed KO1s in the first part of his career and even after he won super feather and lightweight crowns. Much of that falls in his lap, as he fought away from the US, and took on subpar and faded foes in his defenses. But Valero went a ways towards bolstering his buzz with a Technical KO win over Antonio DeMarco at the Monterrey Arena in Monterrey, Mexico on Saturday night.

The WBC lightweight champion destroyed the will of the 24-year old DeMarco, who figured he'd weather an early Valero storm and then click into gear. It never clicked for DeMarco, though it looked like it might when an errant elbow opened up a vicious gash on Valero. But the champ shrugged that off, and showed a knack for pugilism that many thought he didn't possess. After nine rounds in the main event of a Showtime broadcast, the DeMarco corner knew it was a matter of time before their kid was going to get dropped and stopped, so they waved the white flag of surrender.

Valero (now 27-0; from Venezuela, lives in Vegas) weighed 135 pounds , while DeMarco (from Mexico) was 135 as well.

DeMarco's jab opened a cut in the first, and a mega slice gushed in round two. The ref had the doc look at the wound, which looked like it had been caused by a mini machete. An accidental elbow, like something Kenny Florian might've thrown on purpose, actually did the damage. If the doc had halted the clash no one would've been surprised, as you could see the serial number on Valero's skull. Valero didn't shrink--he fought more furiously, but DeMarco, who did get a point deducted for the infraction, stayed pretty cool and dialed in. Maybe he'd get into those middle rounds, maybe Valero would get frustrated if he didn't get his way...

In the third, DeMarco backed up, but made sure he didn't get hung up on the ropes or in a corner. But Valero, with the cut on his right eye dripping as well, did score with his power left, and the challenger seemed to shrug them off with relative ease. Would that continue? Not so much..he buckled a bit in the fourth.

We saw the judges' scores, as per WBC rules, so viewers and those in the arena knew that the arbiters had Valero ahead through four. The score was piped over the PA with a minute left in the fifth, and DeMarco dialed it up in the remaining time. In the sixth, Valero ate a right hook, as DeMarco realized that he didn't have all night to make an impression. But that wasn't enough to take the round. In the seventh, Valero was in control. He isn't just a wildman banger; yes, he keeps his hands low, but he has better footwork than he's given credit for. In the eighth, Valero put together punches in bunches, got in, got off and got going smartly. The DeMarco corner contemplated pulling the plug after the eighth. He looked gassed, and after the ninth, he didn't protest when his corner said No Mas. To be really honest, DeMarco getting this shot was the product of skillful management, but he needs more seasoning before he gets such an opportunity again. His lack of experience is the only thing that detracts slightly from the impressiveness of the winner's outing.

In the TV opener pitting two free swingers, Argentine Luis Carlos Abregu (now 28-0; age 27) took the decision from Richard Gutierrez (24-4-1) in a welterweight tenner. Ab was down in the second, Gutierrez in the third, and it looked like this thing would never reach ten. Abregu is a rough diamond who has been brought along smartly; he's No. 6 in the WBC.

Source: thesweetscience.com

MORALES: Valero finds himself on cusp of stardom -- Los Angeles Daily News

By Robert Morales, LA Daily News

Boxing has more than its share of feel-good stories. Look at Manny Pacquiao. He was dirt poor as a kid growing up in the Philippines.

Today, he is the most recognized boxer in the world as well as its pound-for-pound best fighter. He's also very rich because of his success.

Edwin Valero, the hard-hitting lightweight world champion from Venezuela, has his own tale that began somewhat similarly.

"I grew up until age 7 with both parents, but by the age of 7 my father had abandoned us," said Valero, who tonight will defend his title against Tijuana's Antonio DeMarco in Monterrey, Mexico (on Showtime). "Then at the age of 8 I had to begin working with my mother. We would sell fruit.

"It was a means for us to get money because we didn't have any money to eat on. I worked with my mom and then my uncle; we did the same thing."

Valero stopped selling fruit on the streets when he was 12, the age at which he took up boxing. Besides training, he got paid for cleaning the gym. But before Valero could turn pro, he got into a serious accident while he was riding his motorcycle in Venezuela on Feb. 5, 2001.

"I was on my way to the gym about 2 in the afternoon; it was a regular day," Valero said. "A car didn't stop. He went through a stop sign and he hit me."

Valero, 20 at the time, was not wearing a helmet.

"I didn't lose my memory or anything, but what I remember the most was there was a lot of blood," he said. "I got a cut on my head and the skin ripped open and it hit one of my veins, so they had to take me to the hospital."

Valero had surgery to remove a blood clot, and he said a doctor told him to stay out of the gym for three months. Valero said he didn't feel comfortable going back so soon and that he stayed away from boxing for closer to a year and a half, after which time he turned pro in July 2002.

All the southpaw has done is go 26-0 with 26 knockouts, winning world titles in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions. He knocked out his first 18 opponents in the first round, a record at the time that has since been broken.

"It doesn't amaze me and I'm not shocked at my record," Valero said. "I have worked very hard for these victories."

Interestingly, Valero said the one fight he really wants is with Pacquiao.

"All the fans want to see that," he said. "They know it will be explosive, they know there will be a lot of blood and it will be an all-out battle."

The thing is Pacquiao is now at welterweight. Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said Valero would have to come up to that weight in order to fight Pacquiao. But Roach does like the idea of the fight, and he is impressed with Valero.

"I've always liked that fight," Roach said Tuesday. "Valero, a lot of people don't give him credit because looks like a raw guy out there, like he has no rhyme or reason.

"But he sets things up. He's a lot smarter than people think."

Valero's story is a good one so far, but it hasn't been without further road blocks.

After passing every medical test - including three for fights in California - an MRI taken in New York in 2004 showed brain irregularities - perhaps because of his accident.

He we was denied a license for a fight he was to have there.

It was only last April that he was able to again fight in the U.S., this time when Texas cleared him for his lightweight title fight with Antonio Pitalua. But Valero also got arrested for drunk driving in Texas, and he has not been able to get a visa to re-enter the States.

Valero, 28, said he is confident he will get his visa back within three months. He said he's also certain that since he has passed every other medical test he has taken since his accident other than the one in New York, he will soon be able to fight in Las Vegas - the fight capital of the world.

First things first. DeMarco is no slouch, and Valero needs to win tonight if he is going to improve upon what has already been a story of which legends are made. As great as Pacquiao has been, Valero might put even more fear into opponents than the Filipino icon.

"I wouldn't say they are scared or intimidated, but they are cautious because there is a lot of power," Valero said. "They are definitely aware."

DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs) is cognizant of what Valero brings to the table. But he doesn't speak like he's in awe of him.

"I know Valero is a tough fighter and that he has taken on quality opponents," said DeMarco, 24. "I give him much respect. There is a reason why he is the champion and he deserves all the accolades he has received.

"That said, Valero is no different than the opponents that I have faced. They were tough, too, and so we will see how this fight turns out and who wins. I'm certain it will be me."


Pacquiao remains hopeful of fighting Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao was about to begin a training session Tuesday at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. He's preparing for his March 13 welterweight title defense against Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium.

As he sat in his dressing room, Pacquiao talked about the failed attempt to get Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the ring on that same date.

The fight fell apart when Pacquiao would not agree to the Olympic-style drug-testing demanded by Mayweather for both fighters.

Pacquiao has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Yet the Mayweathers - including Floyd Sr. and his brother, Roger - strongly sugggested Pacquiao could be on something. Pacquiao has filed a defamation suit against the Mayweathers and Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions.

"I'm not angry at Floyd Mayweather," Pacquiao said. "I just felt bad that he doesn't want to fight. He is not ready for the fight. He's making a lot of allegations and alibis, allegations that can ruin my name."

Pacquiao said that if Mayweather is the fighter he says he is, he should just take the fight.

"If you are a true champion, no alibis and just fight," said Pacquiao, who this week was named Fighter of the Year and Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Pacquiao said he remains hopeful a fight with Mayweather will occurr. He said he will take a blood test no later than 30 days before the fight and right after. He would also agree to random urinalysis. Olympic-style testing consists of random blood-testing and urinalysis.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission, which would have overseen Pacquiao-Mayweather, takes only urinalysis just before and just after a fight. No pro boxer has ever had to submit to Olympic-style testing. Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, doesn't see why Pacquiao should be the first.

"No, because that's like giving the first two rounds away, giving (Mayweather) momentum," Roach said. "I wouldn't let Manny do that. No way. The thing is commissions run these rules, not him (Mayweather).

"If we had history of steroid abuse and he had some scientific evidence, mood swings and stuff like that, I can see him going to the commission and doing it correctly and bringing it to the commission's attention and let them deal with it."

Source: dailynews.com

***

Experts Weigh-In on Edwin Valero-Antonio DeMarco -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

On Saturday night from Arena Monterrey, in Monterrey, Mexico, 135-pound champion Edwin Valero, goes after his 27th knockout in as many victories without a loss when he makes the second defense of his WBC crown against Antonio DeMarco.

The 28-year-old Valero (pictured at right, on the left) could be facing a tough challenge in the 24-year-old DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs), a slick, boxer-puncher who must avoid his tendency to trade if he wants to be successful in their Showtime-televised bout.

FanHouse sought the predictions of nine experts concerning the outcome of the fight. Check out the results, below:


Bob Canobbio, CompuBox, Inc.
Edwin Valero W 12 Antonio DeMarco: Hard to pick against Valero, who is 26-0, with 26 KOs. This fight's in Mexico however, where DeMarco's resides. DeMarco hasn't fought there in his last nine fights, so the possibility of a home-cooked decision win for Antonio is not probable.

Did I say decision? No Valero fights go to a decision, but this one will. Valero wins unanimously.


Nick Charles, Showtime boxing analyst
Edwin Valero KO 7 Antonio DeMarco: How can Valero possibly keep knocking out everybody he faces? In the case of this fight with DeMarco, I feel that DeMarco will probably play right into his hands.

We've done DeMarco's fights on ShoBox, and every time he vows to box, he brawls. DeMarco's got an excellent trainer who tells him not to do this, but he can't seem to help himself.

To me, the only way Valero loses is if he betrayed himself with faulty preparation for this fight, which is rumored to have been the case.

Demarco being a southpaw who could move, could hang around, but if he does play it safe, I can't see him winning more than a couple of rounds.

So it's a heads I lose, tails I lose scenario for Antonio. Run and survive, or brawl and get overpowered.


Scott Crouse, Co-Host Ballroom Boxing Report, Baltimore's ESPN Radio 1300AM
Edwin Valero TKO 8-10 Antonio DeMarco: DeMarco is talented, tough, and seems to possess the kind of character to give Valero some problems early. But in the end, Valero's power will be too much for him.

Valero does have some flaws that maybe, just maybe, DeMarco can exploit. He can be wild, throws his punches too wide, leaves his chin in the air, and seems to care very little about defense.

But Valero also has underrated handspeed, delivers his punches in combinations, and often catching his opponents with a follow-up shot when his lead punch misses. Valero takes a solid shot, and actually doesn't seem to mind getting hit very much.

Valero is so well-conditioned that he's able to punch with the same authority and fight with the same intensity in the middle and later rounds if he doesn't take his opponent out early.

DeMarco will have to take advantage of the chinks in Valero's armor and fight the perfect fight to win, but Valero just has to be Valero. So it's Valero by TKO 8-10 -- earlier if DeMarco gets too brave.


Doug Fischer, Co-Editor RingTV.com
Edwin Valero by mid-to-late-round KO over Antonio DeMarco: DeMarco is a well-schooled, disciplined young contender with good technique and a lot of heart.

But the Mexican southpaw is a slow starter who likes to engage more than he should. We won't see the sharpest version of Valero, who has yet again changed trainers.

But he's motivated to defend his green belt in Mexico and on national television -- in Mexico and the U.S. I think he either catches DeMarco cold with one big shot, or he gradually breaks the younger man down by forcing him to the ropes and beating on his arms and body.

DeMarco will be game and he'll get his shots in, but I think his willingness to exchange with Valero will cost him.

Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports.com
Antonio DeMarco W 12 Edwin Valero: I'm picking DeMarco by decision. Valero is the far better puncher, and if he lands a clean combination, this could be over at any point.

That said, I think DeMarco is the far better overall boxer, and will be able to exploit the gaping holes in Valero's defense.


Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News
Edwin Valero KO 6 Antonio DeMarco: I'm picking Valero by knockout, and if I have to pick a round, I'll say that it will end in about the sixth round.

I have to tell you that I spoke to Freddie Roach yesterday, and I have a lot of respect for Freddie. And Freddie said that a lot of people don't respect Valero. They think that he's just a wild-swinging guy.

But Freddie said that Velaro is a lot smarter than people think he is and that he deserves a lot more credit for what he's doing. Valero sets things up. So based on that, I can't see this fight going past the sixth round.


Kieran Mulvaney, ESPN boxing and Reuters
Edwin Valero KO 7 Antonio DeMarco: I think DeMarco is a top-drawer talent. He boxes well from the outside, he can crack, and he I believe he has improved considerably over the past few fights.

Then you look at Edwin Valero and you wonder what is so special about him? He looks like he's slow as molasses. But Valero has hands of kryptonite, and once he has timed a guy and figured him out, he just walks him down and beats him up.

I think DeMarco starts out well, maybe builds an early lead on the cards. He may even be leading when the fight ends. But after a few rounds, Valero will have him figured out, and his heavy punches will start finding their target until eventually DeMarco is overwhelmed. Valero TKO 7.


Joe Santoliquito, Managing Editor, Ring Magazine
Edwin Valero KO 4 Antonio DeMarco: Valero simply has too much firepower for DeMarco. But it could be a fun fight. And that's simply because DeMarco will fight back, and may even have the kind of chin to get up after being knocked down a few times by the iron-fisted Valero.


Michael David Smith, FanHouse.com
Edwin Valero KO 9 Antonio DeMarco: DeMarco is a tough opponent for Valero, but I don't see Valero's knockout streak coming to an end. Look for Valero to knock DeMarco out in the ninth round.


The boxing experts overwhelming choose Valero, 8-1.


Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

***

Valero ready for DeMarco, bigger things -- Yahoo! Sports

By Dave Skretta, AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP)—Edwin Valero has accused the U.S. government of discrimination, has a tattoo of Venezuela President Hugo Chavez across his chest, sustained a serious head injury in a motorcycle crash and was charged with drunken driving in the U.S.

That alone is quite the resume for the bad boy of boxing, but what makes his curriculum vitae really stand out is the line that reads: 26-0, 26 knockouts.

“I really don’t pay attention to what people think about me. I do what I do because I want to do it,” said Valero, who will defend his WBC lightweight title against Antonio DeMarco on Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico. “The way I live, that’s me. It’s not that I’m controversial, it just may come across as controversial, but I live the way I do, I train the way I do, because I want to.”

It’s a cavalier attitude that has gotten Valero into plenty of trouble. But he also carries that attitude into the ring, where it’s caused trouble for everybody else.

Valero’s first 18 fights never went past the first round, his heavy hands dealing half a dozen clean knockouts. Only once has Valero gone past the ninth round, and in that case he was battering Vicente Mosquera so badly that referee Luis Pabon stopped it in the 10th.

By the way, that was for a world title.

When the charismatic Venezuelan moved up in weight to challenge Antonio Pitalua for a vacant belt early last year, pundits thought someone with 46 wins in 49 fights would finally be able to give Valero something of a challenge.

They thought wrong. Valero stopped him in the second round.

“I look at all the fighters, and this goes for DeMarco too, I look at them the same,” Valero said this week. “I train hard, I fight hard, there’s no difference.”

If only everything was that simple outside the ropes.

The 28-year-old Valero was in a severe motorcycle accident in February 2001 that left him with a fractured skull and required surgery to remove a blood clot.

He says his doctor in Venezuela cleared him to fight a year later, and Valero turned pro in 2002. He won his first 11 fights, including two in the U.S., before failing a pre-fight exam in New York. Valero was handed an indefinite suspension that effectively banned him from fighting in the United States, so much of his career has transpired in Japan and Latin America.

Top Rank has pushed for Valero to receive a license in the U.S., where there are far more lucrative opportunities, and Nevada recently amended a rule that did not allow fighters to apply for a license if they had previously suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.

Just when everything seemed to be lining up for Valero to fight on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s megafight last autumn against Miguel Cotto, politics intervened.

Valero was denied a visa because of his drunk driving charge in Texas, then suggested that his application was refused because of his sympathy for Chavez, a fierce critic of U.S. policy in the region.

“Yes, of course I want to continue to fight in the U.S. and I understand that’s where the opportunities are,” Valero said. “We’re working on getting my visa and returning. I’m going to say in the next three months, hopefully we’ll have that done.”

Whether he’ll be defending his title or seeking another depends on how he performs on Saturday against DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs), the 24-year-old southpaw from Tijuana, Mexico.

DeMarco earned the fight with knockouts of Anges Adjaho in a title eliminator and Jose Alfaro for an interim belt. His boxer-puncher style and almost shy disposition stand in stark contrast to his brooding, straight-ahead opponent.

“Valero is a great champion, he’s very aggressive, he comes forward, but we’re ready for this and more,” DeMarco said. “I never say bad words, and I give respect for a champion. I’m very respectful for everybody, but a fight is a fight, you know?”

With Mexican stars Marco Antonio Barrera and Eric Morales near the end of their careers, DeMarco sees a void that is waiting to be filled.

“For me, it’s an honor to fight here in Mexico, my land, and to fight for the world title,” he said. “A lot of people in Mexico know me but this is an opportunity to demonstrate to all of Mexico. Maybe, that’s the reason we’re working so hard.”

Source: sports.yahoo.com

***

Q&A With WBC Champ Edwin Valero -- 26-0, With 26 KOs -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

He is nicknamed "Dinamita," or Dynamite, and Edwin Valero has indeed displayed two-fisted power throughout his professional boxing career.

On Saturday, Feb. 6, in Monterrey, Mexico, the Venezuelan-born, WBC lightweight champion will pursue his 26th, consecutive knockout in as many victories without a loss when he makes the second defense of his crown against WBC interim titlist, Antonio DeMarco, in a Showtime-televised, 135-pound clash of talented southpaws.

The 28-year-old Valero (pictured above, at left) scored his most recent KO on Dec. 19, when a badly beaten, 34-year-old Hector Velazquez failed to come out for the seventh round of their bout before Valero's hometown fans at the Polideportivo José María Vargas, in La Guaira, Venezuela.

The 23-year-old DeMarco (23-1, 17 KOs), of Tijuana, is a boxer-puncher who is coming off of an Oct. 31, 10th-round knockout of Jose Alfaro.

So as he looks to earn a place among boxing's premiere performers, this could well be the most difficult challenge for Valero, for DeMarco won every round of what was his 12th consecutive victory, improving his unbeaten streak to 15-0-1 with 10 knockouts since losing a six-round, majority decision to Anthony Vasquez in February 2006.

Alfaro was the third straight knockout for DeMarco, who earned the NABO with a February, 2007, ninth-round stoppage of Almazbek Raiymkulov, a fighter who came in with a record of 27-1-1, and 15 KOs.

A sensational and relentless puncher, Valero won his first 18 career bouts by first-round knockout, capped by a first-round stoppage of Whyber Garcia in the WBA super featherweight (130 pounds) title eliminator in February of 2006.

Two fights later, Valero got up from a third-round knockdown to earn the WBA super featherweight crown with a 10th-round knockout of Vicente Mosquera, whom he dropped twice in the first round of their August, 2006 matchup.

Valero defended that title four times before rising to lightweight, where he dropped Antonio Pitalua three times on the way to an April, 2009, second-round knockout that earned him his current championship.

Two problems have hindered Valero from getting much-needed exposure during his career: Unresolved issues stemming from a DUI last May, which caused Venezuela to subsequently deny him a U.S. Visa., and another stigma stemming from brain surgery he received as the result of a motorcycle accident in 2001 that caused a blood clot later revealed during an MRI.

Although cleared to fight after successful surgery removed the clot, Valero was still placed on indefinite medical suspension by the NYAC, and, thus, banned by most athletic associations which supported the NYAC's decision.

Valero knocked out his next 14 opponents over the ensuing six years in Venezuela, Argentina, Panama, Japan, France and Mexico before being sanctioned in Austin, Texas, for his knockout of Pitalua.

FanHouse caught up to Valero recently for this Q&A, during which he discussed the importance of making a big impression against DeMarco.

Note: This interview was translated by Marylyn Aceves


FanHouse: What do you believe that beating Antonio Demarco will do for your career?

Edwin Valero: This fight means a lot. Depending on what happens -- and it should go my way -- a win in this fight would open a lot more doors for bigger fights.


FH: Did you see Antonio Demarco's last fight, and if so, what did he think of him?

Valero: Out of all of his fights, I've only seen two rounds of his fights. And I didn't see his last fight.


FH: Do you believe that you have had ample time to study Antonio Demarco, or are you simply more concerned about what you will do to your opponent than what your opponent will bring to the table?

Valero: My main focus is what I'm going to do against Demarco, or with Demarco in the ring, the moment I step into the ring with him.

My focus has been physically on me and my training. But the moment I step into the ring, that's when I'll focus on Demarco.


FH: So haven't studied any film on Antonio Demarco, but have relied on your trainer to do that?

Valero: My trainer, Mario Morales, he studies the films of the past fights of Demarco. But I tell him not to tell me a thing about them, but to just train me accordingly.

Don't tell me a thing about him because when I come in there, that's when I do my job. I use my instincts.


FH: Where are you training, and, by fight time, how many months or weeks will you have trained for Antonio Demarco?

Valero: I've never really stopped training since my last fight against Hector Velazquez. So, really, it would be since back in September until now.

And I've already been here in Monterrey training for two weeks. So I'm in supreme physical condition.


FH: Where do you believe that you rank among the sport's pound-for-pound best?

Valero: It's been over a year, or at least almost a year now that I should have been included in that list with the top 10 best boxers.

And that's my goal -- it's to get my name among them, now.


FH: What do you believe it will take in this particular fight for that to happen -- a knockout or simply dominance?

Valero: I need to win this fight by knockout to be included in this list, and yes, of course, that's what I'm trying to do in this fight.


FH: With the past problems with your head injury slowing your career, and not being able to fight in America, do you believe that those situations and issues have hurt your exposure?

Valero: I don't feel pressure to get my name out there and to have myself as a well-known fighter because I was not in the U.S. I just think that with my performance, if I perform well, then that will do the job.

That will get me included with the best of the best fighters in the sport and in the world.


FH: Do you need to show well-rounded boxing skills in this fight or simply be a pure knockout puncher to reach that next level of appreciation?

Valero: To start, I'm a fighter with skills, and I know how to box. To date, all of the fighters that I have been in the ring with have not pressed or challenge my ability to have to box.

They have all backed up basically, and so I've been able to do what I've needed to do, which is to knock them out. But when put to the test, everyone will see that I can surely box.


FH: What is your dream fight?

Valero: Manny Pacquiao is my dream fight. But I'm tired of asking for it. All of the true boxing fans would want to see that fight.

They can be sure to know that that fight would be explosive and there would surely be a lot of bloodshed.


FH: What do you want the boxing world -- promoters, trainers, fans, fighters -- to know about you?

Valero: To my boxing fans, I want to say don't forget to watch me on Feb. 6, because you're going to be very pleased and very happy.

I know that the true boxing fans will really enjoy the aggressive style that I have. I really don't have anything to say to the promoters, except that I want them to be watching me on Feb. 6.

I want the promoters to be watching what I do because they're going to see my style of fighting and what a quality fighter that I am.

And, I'm willing and ready to accept any matchup that they have. Just talk to my promoter and we can get it done.

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com