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February 9th, 2010 | by Tim Harrison
Edwin Valero was something of an unknown commodity prior to Saturday, February 6. You could watch clips of his highlight reel knockouts on YouTube, but the quality of the picture left out many of the wrinkles we saw Saturday night. Due to a ban by the NYSAC, and Visa problems stemming from a DUI conviction, Valero does not fight in the United States, and was never on American television. In a fight that took place in Monterrey, Mexico, Valero dominated a young star, and bust on to the American fight scene.
In beating young prospect Antonio DeMarco into submission, we saw the full offensive assault, but were shorted one highlight reel knockout. We did, however, get a high definition look at Valero’s underrated defensive skill, something that is nearly impossible to pick up via YouTube.
As expected, Valero took the fight to the taller, longer DeMarco. He doubled and tripled his jab to get himself in punching range before uncorking his looping left hand, which eventually found a nice home on DeMarco’s face. He also displayed a very good right hook. DeMarco countered well and landed several short right hooks and straight left hands on Valero. But in between it all, Valero managed to use surprisingly quick reflexes to slip many of DeMarco’s punches.
During and after the fight, Valero was compared to a young Manny Pacquiao, which angered some fans of the Pinoy Idol. I stand on the side of the line that agrees with the comparisons. Stylistically, Pacquiao (the 2006 version, aka Manny Pacquiao v.1.0) and Valero have many similarities. Pacquiao v.1.0 holds the raw foot and hand speed advantage, while Valero moves around the ring slightly slower, but with more fluidity and better head movement. And while Pacquiao v.1.0 has a better left hand, Valero’s right hook is a more formidable weapon. Most obviously, they are both lefties.
Despite the similarities between Valero and Manny Pacquiao v.1.0, a showdown in the very near future would surely spell the end of Valero’s winning streak. Manny Pacquiao v.2.0 has improved by leaps and bounds. While his head movement is still minimal, to say the least, his rhythm and ability to bounce in and out make up for his lack of head movement. Pacquiao v.2.0’s right hook is infinitely better than that of the outdated model, v.1.0.
The biggest flaw in Edwin Valero’s armor is the exposure of his chin as he punches. Pacquiao v.2.0 will stand in the pocket and trade with Valero, eventually landing a bomb on that exposed chin.
The short plan for Valero looks like a gradual move up in weight coupled with more American television exposure. Top Rank is currently entertaining an offer from Gary Shaw for an Edwin Valero-Timothy Bradley fight, so they appear to be on that path. Should Valero emerge victorious over the best 140-pounder in the world, he should be put on the 2-year plan for an eventual showdown with Manny Pacquiao v.2.0, provided he continues to improve and work out the kinks in his game.
As for now, Edwin Valero should stay away from Manny Pacquiao. He isn’t ready for that fight, yet.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 6:40 PM.
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February 10th, 2010 at 1:36 AM
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by RealTimHarrison: Edwin Valero Has Arrived, But Isn’t Yet Ready For Pacquiao: http://bit.ly/9Hfxaw #boxing…
February 10th, 2010 at 2:09 AM
DeMarco is rated #9, so why are people so excited about that win? Valero is suppose to win. Now, if he fought JMM, Baby Bull Diaz or even Katzidis then its ok to get excited. Secondly, I don’t understand why he will fight Bradley, before trying out the best lightweights? This is sucuide for Valero, Bradley will tear him apart, and will give him an old fashin whipping! Valero is biting more than he can chew.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:25 AM
I think you are correct, he’s not yet ready… but at least he got the balls to challenge Manny Pacquiao as the P4P king & 7 belts in 7 division champ… unlike PBF who says he’s the best but looking for an advantage outside the ring against his opponents…
http://www.pacfans-corner.com
February 10th, 2010 at 2:30 AM
bring on valero vs hatton.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:33 AM
TIM BRADLEY? Valero will look like Marquez did when he fought Floyd. When they say one-dimensional, he is it. There should be no mention of Bradley or especially MP in the same breath.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:37 AM
Finally a writer that understand why Valero is not yet ready. I’ve read a few articles calling for Valero to fight Manny. The Valero of now will get in a word massacred in the hands of Manny. He will be so lost in the ring against the best P4P in the world, it would potentially ruin his confidence. That is a risk Bob Arum will never entertain because IMO, Valero is being groomed to take over Manny’s shoes. The boxing level between Manny and Valero is far too great. To say it would be a mismatch is an understatement. When a fruit is not ripe, you don’t pick it and sell it as the best fruit. It will be either sour or bitter. But when the fruit is perfectly ripe, you pick and then you know inside this fruit is at its peak of flavor. Valero right now, is not ripe. He needs more time and needs a better trainer. I think his trainer has taken him far as he can, now it is time to get a world class trainer like Freddie Roach to take him to the next level.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:37 AM
ERIK is right about Valero fighting the elite boxers in the lightweight division first. However, his main goal is to fight Pacquiao and he doesn’t have much time as Pacman is contemplating on retiring. That explains why Valero wants to go up in weight and fight Bradley the 140 lbs. champion. It’s a big gamble on his part as Bradley is a very skillful boxer.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:39 AM
WHEN PAQUIAO FOUGHT SOLIS A LANKY UNDEFEATED 5′9″ WAS BETTER BOXER THAN DE MARCO PACQUIAO KNOCK SOLIS OUT, VALERO IS NOT THAT STRONG HIS LAST 2 OPPONENT JUST QUIT BUT NEVER DOWN
FOR ME VALERO IS FAR BELOW PACQUIAO HE IS NOT IN THE LEVEL OF PACQUIAO I THINK IF HIS FIGHT WILL GO THE DISTANCE HE WILL LOSE!!
February 10th, 2010 at 2:41 AM
Valero vs Bradley a great fight! Its like a second rate Pac vs May..
February 10th, 2010 at 2:48 AM
Valero’s 27 KOs are just like beating tricycle drivers. Or may be tricycle drivers are much better than fighters he fought.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:50 AM
I believe Edwin Valero has the best record in boxing 27-0-0 with 27 ko. better than Floyd 40-0-0 with 25 ko. this shows the performance of Edwin are in perfect condition during fights. before challenging the pound for pound king he should battle against Marquez first for their division supremacy, this will test him, how good Valero is.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:55 AM
not yet ready or not ready at all, he must proved something first by challenging bigger names like bradley , khan , marquez etc.
February 10th, 2010 at 3:07 AM
DeMarco quit because he was so exhausted not because Valero hurt him. His face is still unmarked and was not visibly hurt. Valero is still slow and easy to hit. Class A fighter will eat him alive. He is not ready for them.
February 10th, 2010 at 3:15 AM
come one man.. who gave pacquiao a chance when he first fought barrera? “what goes up must come down.” let’s calendar pacman-valero..
February 10th, 2010 at 3:17 AM
AGREED. NO WAY VALERO CAN WIN AGAINST PACQUIAO. MOST PROBABLY, HE COULD BE KOed WITHIN THE FIRST THREE ROUNDS.
February 10th, 2010 at 3:18 AM
Valero is 28 yrs old now he cannot change his style he is still very slow.Try timothy Bradley or Katsidis not Juan Diaz he’s done already mr.Valero.
February 10th, 2010 at 3:37 AM
Why not line Valero to a legitimate champion.
Valero is good but Pacquiao is better.
Funny that DeMarco had done a Dela Hoya “quit on his stool” classic.
February 10th, 2010 at 3:39 AM
But it would have been fun to watch a v.1.0 pacquaio vs. valero. That would definitely be great, right?
February 10th, 2010 at 3:41 AM
But it would have been really great to watch a v.1.0 pacquiao vs valero, right?
February 10th, 2010 at 3:42 AM
Valero VS Dela Hoya undercard to the soon to be cancelled/posponed May 10 Mayweather-Mosley bout.
February 10th, 2010 at 3:56 AM
If valero wants pacquiao, he will soon die in an instant fight. Valero’s head is questionable, i know pacquiao will kill him. All i can say to valero if he want to fight pacman he should use helmet for safety. Pacquiao will kill first boxer in history especially the the knock out artist like valero.
February 10th, 2010 at 4:02 AM
unified or beat even 1 champion at 135lbs before you think 140lbs or Manny.
February 10th, 2010 at 4:02 AM
let valero fight bradley & marquez first, then pac ;>
February 10th, 2010 at 4:14 AM
Guys, Valero is impressive. i agree comparing valero to pacquiao,i think they are both genetically gifted.although they fight with different style. Maybe before questioning valero credibility,you guys better check who this guy is,and check his previous fights. YOU WILL BE SURPRISE!!!!this guy is strong.
February 10th, 2010 at 4:36 AM
he is just overrated fighter..
fight a worldclass lightweight first b4 do some trashtalks..
February 10th, 2010 at 4:48 AM
No offense to Valero and god bless his talent , but he looks like Blanka (street fighter II) on crack and a-side meth inside that ring. I wouldn’t be surprised if PBF says hes on drugs too.. Regardless he’s good but he gots a lot of rice to eat before he could step up to Manny Pac..
February 10th, 2010 at 4:53 AM
He should train under Coach Freddy first if he ever gets to fix his Visa problems, then he also needs to learn how to be trained, how to listen to a trainer like freddy if he wants to stretch his career. This guy got authority issues it seems .
February 10th, 2010 at 5:03 AM
Pacquiao for Valero? I wonder how Valero would have fared against Cotto which the Pacman destroyed.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:53 AM
According to Floyd, his unblemished record of 40-0 with 25 knockouts put him automatically to be the Greatest, then if the undefeated record will be the gauge to greatness, Valero should have been far greater than Mayweather because he perfected a 27 fights all by knockouts. But that is not the case. Greater are those who face real tough challenges win or loss.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:52 AM
yeah i agree a Class A fighter like marquez will eat valero alive.
—–
how about amir khan and edwin valero? that would be nice too. what do u guys think?
ricky hatton vs edwin valero would be intriguing. hehehehe
February 10th, 2010 at 6:53 AM
Valero needs a breakout fight just like Manny had against Barera. The question is if Bradley has the pedigree of Barera to be Valeros breakout fight to stardom.
When Manny beat Barera the Mexican community took notice and watched if the Mexicutioner could duplicate his winning ways againts its best fighters.
A dominant win against Bradley will not give Valero the same result.
A beatdown of Juan Manuel Marquez would give Valero the shine he needs to earn a Manny Pacquiao dance.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:25 AM
Pacquiao’s right hook or the so called Manila Ice is far superior than that of Valero’s. At this stage of their boxing career, no way Valero can match the invincibility of Pacman. Valero will surely find end of the road for him if he faces the Pacman. Anyhow, he is also exciting fighter to watch. I like to see him fight Joan Guzman or JMM.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:37 AM
pacman vs valero = pacman vs hatton
valero will like hatton does.. when he fight pacman
February 10th, 2010 at 7:56 AM
for the sake of money Valero must fight Pacman but for the pride better choose somebody else.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:20 AM
Valero is good but if you will challenge Pacquaio 3 rounds is enough for you cause you will not see the punch coming cause pacMan will destroyed you Alive good luck…… and just pray for your soul.. Mr. edwin Valero you think that your Level is enough for PAcman achievement kust prove it first try to beat katsidis or bradley but i think katsidis and Valero is better than bradley Cause katsidis will stand to you toe to toe..
February 10th, 2010 at 9:03 AM
hey guys, before you go on and on wasting time discussing this stuff, you all must remember that Valero and Pac are both promoted by Arum. Pac is the man now and Bob’s cash cow. Valero is his next Pacman due the similarities in terms of being exciting and having the killer’s instinct. Bob would not risk lneither his duck that lays the golden egg (Pacman)noe his protege (Valero). So the only time Arum would fit these two animals is if Bob sees the end of the road for Pac and seize the moment by slipping in Valero, who by then would be ready for the “changing of the guards” ceremony. For now, Arum’s agenda is to continue milking his cow (Pac), and toughening his calf (Valero).
February 10th, 2010 at 9:21 AM
Valero can’t and won’t be allowed to fight here in the USA. Remember, he had a cracked skull due to his motorcyle accident years back plus his DUI conviction and his adoration of Hugo Chavez. He’ll be a chopped liver and maybe dead if beaten in the head. The USA boxing commission won’t allow it. he’s only good for the lightweight division and fighting outside the US.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Pacquiao v. 2.o!
LOL!
Anyway, is there a possibility that there will still be an upgrade to Pacquiao v. 3.0? We could end up with a Pacquiao v. 2.0 versus Valero v. 4.0! You know, Pacquiao coming out of retirement, 2013?
February 10th, 2010 at 10:09 AM
valero should beat a legendary fighter before he fights pacquaio.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:20 AM
How about a battle of the undefeateds.
MAYWEATHER VS. VALERO !!!
Anyway they are both LOUDMOUTHS !!!
February 10th, 2010 at 10:50 AM
current Manny is at super sayan level
February 10th, 2010 at 11:07 AM
I was very impressed with Valero. His unorthadox style I believe is going to cause issues. This guy hits hard, has quick twitch muscles, high work rate, and tons of heart. DeMarco is known as a very good puncher and he did land some shots. But those shots had 0 impact on Valero and all shots where immediately answered. Definately would like to see more! A fight with Bradley may be a bit risky (for both). HIGH RISK little reward for Bradley (only because the general perception of Valero is he still has a lot of defincienes .. if Bradley wins they will just say that Valero is a product of the you-tube hype job and was exposed). If Valero wins (and he has the power to do it) Then he immediately gets thrust up to mega fights .. why? Bradley has more clout. They will look at this as a very very impressive victory for Valero. He would prove that he is ready for anybody from 135 to 147. He would enter every fight with a puncher’s shot of winning.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:19 AM
While Valero can knock them out he looks more like just a street fighter with absolutely no form whatsoever, no defensive stance, always wide open with mouth always open. He looks like he just wants to throw and throw hoping for a fast first, second or third round knock out ! He should prove how really great he is by fighting first Pauline Malignaggi, Bradley, Marquez, Cotto, Zab Judah, Berto, Mosley or even Mayweather first before he even has the right to call out Pacman…right now Pacman can knock this guy out in the 1st or 2nd round from a master brawler without any doubt as hes always wide open and i don’t think he’ll last beyond 4 rounds with Pacman….he may be actually a good test for Mayweather to see if Mayweather can use his defensive skills on this guy…..
February 10th, 2010 at 12:15 PM
27 KOs in 27 fights ??? this guy is definitely on ROIDs and PEDs, my crackhead pop said so
February 10th, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Manny Pacquiao vs Valero in a 145ib or 147ib is gonna be a very very very GOOD FIGHT.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:55 PM
lets just hope, Pacquiao hasnt retired in that couple of years it may take to prepare Valero.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:58 PM
How come he has this balls to challenge manny?oh my god valero wake up, maybe this is a side effect of your cracked skull.If you are not in the army then follow my advice please follow the chain bro.You are just in youtube while manny is in the Time magazine now, be realistic man!
February 10th, 2010 at 1:33 PM
Edwin “27KO Puncher” Valero = Undefeated in “Class B” Fighters
February 10th, 2010 at 1:46 PM
VALERO IS SCARED TO FIGHT HUMBERTO SOTO, JUST LIKE PACMAN IS ALSO SCARED TO FIGHT SOTO. THAT’S WHY VALERO PLANS ON VACATING HIS WBC 135 BELT SO THAT HE CAN AVOID DEFENDING IT AGAINST SOTO, AND JUMP TO 140LBS TO FIGHT JUAN DIAZ, SO THAT HE DOESN’T HAVE TO FIGHT SOTO AND GET BRUTALLY KO’D. PACMAN HAD ALSO DONE THE SAME THIN A YEAR EARLIER. AFTER PAC WON THE WBC 130LB TITLE, HE VACATED IT, TO AVOID FIGHTING SOTO, SO NOW VALERO IS FOLLOWING THE SAME EVASIVE PATTERN THAT PAC DID, IN RODER TO AVOID SOTO.
SOTO WAS AT RINGSIDE, AT THE VALERO-DEMARCO FIGHT CAUSE HE WANTS TO FIGHT VALERO, AND HAS BEEN CAHSING VALERO SINCE LAST YEAR AND AT THE SAME TIME SOTO HAS BEEN CHASING PACMAN FOR A MUCH LONGER TIME.
BUT BOTH VALERO AND PACMAN ARE SCARED TO FIGHT HUMBERTO SOTO, CAUSE THEY BOTH KNOW THAT SOTO WOULD KO THEM BRUTALLY.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:24 PM
Valero is the real deal but should wait a while before fighting Bradly. Marquez would be a perfect match up for him his in and out stlye makes him dangerous and his hands may not be lighting fast but his movement makes up for it. Valero with the right management will be our next big superstar.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:31 PM
Valero’s skill is still yet to be proven by challenging Class A fighter. fighting Pacman? Valero must be dreaming. He will end up like Hatton.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:36 PM
Pacquiao got stronger as he climed up in weight. Amazingly, he retain his speed and hit harder both hands. Hemaintained or improved his stamina.
Valero is a lightweight. If he went up two division, he would have to emulate Pacquiao. I don’t think he would. He would lose a lot of speed and poer in his roundhouse punches. His chin would be Pacquiao’s spped bag. He would not last 3 rounds.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:47 PM
with those 27 fighters that valero dismantled, who among them is famoue in the sports? probably pitauala// can you mention those boxers that kneeled in front of pacquiao? dlh,hatton, marquez,cotto all them are deadly famous boxers..
February 10th, 2010 at 3:44 PM
I found your blog post while searching Google. Very informative, especially since this is not an issue a lot of people are familiar with…
February 10th, 2010 at 4:08 PM
1st of all where does this guy find the balls to call out the best p4p fighter. He defeated an up and comer big deal first fight on Showtime come on now. Marquez wont fight him hes fighting in the welterweights. To prove himself even to get to Bradley he has to defeat some talent Hatton, Diaz, Malanaggie, Soto someone worthy. Valero a 27-0 record doesnt mean jack if your counting bar fights as opponents.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:22 PM
Valero vs Pacquiao would be better than Mayweather Vs Pacquiao. Pacquiao don’t need Mayweather.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:05 PM
Valero hasnt been REALLY tested YET, De Marco is decent at best to describe the young fighter, though Valero showed a lot of heart in the fight still the win doesnt prove he’s already at par with the world’s best, calling out an opponent wont equate to a fighter being at the same level, for Valero and his promoter, call out an opponent now where youll get realy tested.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Mexican (not the mexican people) the one who commented above is an asshole, he doesnt know about the sport of boxing. Humberto soto is a good boxer in his division but hes no way in the level of the pac, do your homework buddy…
February 10th, 2010 at 8:41 PM
Valero still need a lot of rice to eat if he fights Pacquiao. Remember, Valero has not faced the kind of opponents pacman has fought. Barrera, Morales, Marquez, Dela Hoya and Cotto All HOF fighters are way too far than all of Valero’s opponents combined. If they fight, Pacquiao would KILL him inside 5 rnds.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:43 PM
Valero is over confident that he thinks he can beat Manny. He (Valero) doesn’t even know that if he face Manny, he will beat him into pulp. Valero need to eat alot of rice and balut (egg w/duck inside). It’s the breakfast of champions.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:53 PM
i think valero would be an exciting fight vs manny but in the end manny will prevail. i think manny will be puzzled by valero’s speed and power. i think valero has both but then he has not been tested with best fighter such as marquez, hatton, or even a david diaz. let him fight first these men or any two of them and see if he comes good then we could decide if he is a legitimate opponent for pacquiao.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:15 PM
what? humberto soto? you actually think that pac and valero avoided soto? oh come on, pac and valero can ko soto using only one arm and one eye closed. I think they avoided soto because soto won’t sell on people.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:21 PM
Manny doesn’t need Floyd anymore. Valero comes at the right time when Manny is running out of good boxing opponents.
With top rank’s young and exciting fighters, (Valero, Gamboa and Lopez) all Pacquiao has to do is to wait for a li’l while and he would make more money than Floyd specially all these new horsemen are under top rank promotion. If Floyd won’t drop his ridiculous demand, he can kiss his millions goodbye. Pacquiao doesn’t need him anymore.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:50 PM
manny will be puzzled by valero’s speed and power? whoever said that is dumb. it’s manny pacquiao we’re talking about here. maybe it’s the other way around, valero will be puzzled by pacman’s speed and power. valero is fast and has power, but pacman is way faster in handspeed and footspeed and better footwork too, in terms of power, manny has proven it even against bigger, welterweight fighters while valero still has to prove his power against bigger fighters. hell, he still needs to prove a lot of things before he even steps up to the plate to fight pacquiao. he needs to fight the top dogs at 135 or 140 and some legendary fighters like marquez, hatton or casamayor to even think of sharing a ring with an all time great like pacman. it’s not even a guarantee that he has the same kind of ability of moving up in weight w/o losing speed and power like pacquiao. pacquiao was able to do it because if you would look at him pysically, he has those huge legs which means he has a strong base and has enough leg power to carry the added pounds on him, that’s why he remains fast even at the higher weights. i don’t think valero has that…….
February 11th, 2010 at 1:40 AM
fyi mr. harrison, in 2006 manny pacquiao has been fighting elite and future hall of fame fighter while your valero until now has been fighting taxi drivers. manny pacquiao could have won 100 wins with 100 knock out all in 1st round if he choose to fight thesame quality of opponents valero been fighting right now. i dont understand some writer like you comparing the greatest and a pretender.
February 11th, 2010 at 5:47 AM
Nutcrackers…Why take Edwin Valero’s calling out Manny Pacquiao seriously? Any boxer worth his salt will call-out Manny Pacquiao, if not for the money, at the very least just for “Name Recognition”
February 11th, 2010 at 6:13 AM
Valero yeah right! How about if he fights manny without his mouth protection, like he did on that last fight he had on Demarco. I wanna see valero loss his teeth on pacmans assault
February 11th, 2010 at 11:54 AM
valero is like a human punching bag when he fight pacquiao
February 11th, 2010 at 11:02 PM
I would like to see this fight. If Valero is not ready yet for Pacquiao, Pacquiao should wait for a li’l while. Valero, Gamboa and Lopez must be an exciting fights with Pacquiao. Who needs Floyd?
February 11th, 2010 at 11:41 PM
27 KOs in 27 fights ??? this guy is definitely on ROIDs and PEDs, my crackhead pop said so
February 12th, 2010 at 3:10 AM
poster no. 70 is totally right. valero is on PEDs. he’s using A-side++ meth only found in venezuela. my nephew kenducky floyd chicken will easily outbox and outrun this guy coz floyd is primed and ready for a marathon. hell, my nephew can even outrun usain bolt. my nephew might even consider competing in the olympics again and win some gold medals. not in boxing though, but in 100 meter dash……
February 12th, 2010 at 6:55 PM
Edwin Valero is just starting to make noise now.. and he shows flashes of a young Pacquiao.. but he is still on his journey to fight A Class level boxers..
Valero being a young boxer, he may have to get into some big battles before Pacquiao can be considered…..
Like “Andre Berto vs Edwin Valero” This fight will put Valero on the map if he can beat him..
February 14th, 2010 at 6:05 AM
pacquiao will destroy this valero guy within 2 minutes..i think valero’s record is overrated.why?look at velasquez,pac fought a younger version of that guy and kneeled down on pac’s power and that pacquiao was nowhere as good nor as strong as the pacquiao of today.though velasquez quit on valero too,velasquez is definitely older now.also if valero’s power is let’s say as strong as it looks on paper,that still doesn’t win fights all the time.surely he will find an opponent who can handle his punch and it’s reality check time for valero