Edwin Valero

Edwin Valero (December 3, 1981 – April 19, 2010) was a Venezuelan professional boxer. He was born in Bolero Alto, and raised in El Vigía (both locations in Mérida, Venezuela).

Valero was an undefeated southpaw boxer and former two weight world champion who fought up to light welterweight. His professional boxing record was 27-0 (27 KO, 19 of which occurred in the first round). Valero was a former WBA Super Featherweight champion and former WBC Lightweight champion who was known by boxing fans for his aggressive style and punching power. He is the only fighter in the 30 years of the WBC to win every fight in his career by knockout.

Boxing career

Valero started boxing at the age of 12, arguably compiling an amateur record of 86-6 with 57 knockouts. He was Venezuelan amateur champion three years running, as well as Central and South American Champion (beating Francisco "Panchito" Bojado).It was during this time Valero started experimenting with drugs (mainly cocaine), drinking alcohol, starting fights with teenagers and even some adults. Valero grew a reputation in his home town as a fearless street thug.

On February 25, 2006, Valero set a new world record by winning his first 18 fights as a professional by first-round knockout. That record has since been broken by Tyrone Brunson, but most boxing experts and fans do not acknowledge Brunson's claim because of the extremely poor level of opposition he faced while making his way to the record. (In...
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