Edwin Valero, former WBA Super Featherweight Champ and WBC Lightweight Champ was detained on suspicion of murdering his wife on Sunday, April 18. He later hung himself in his jail cell after being detained by police, allegedly using his own clothes to carry out his suicide. He was a mere 28 years of age. The sensational southpaw had not been defeated. All of his 27 wins were via knockout, and 19 within the first round.
Caracas the scene of tragedy
Allegedly, Edwin Valero left his hotel room near dawn on Sunday and told hotel security he had murdered his wife. Police entered the room and found the body of Jennifer Viera, aged 24, stabbed to death. He was taken into custody, and while awaiting arraignment and charges, Valero hung himself using his sweat pants as a rope, according to the Huffington Post.
This is the third high profile death by unnatural causes of a former champion boxer within 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 troubled but legendary career in the making
Edwin Valero had no peer. Southpaws are rare enough, but a southpaw with his knock out power is something else. He went undefeated for 27 fights, all knockouts, 19 of which in the first round, breaking a record that stood given that 1905. He won his first 18 fights as a professional in that manner, becoming a popular sensation in professional boxing.
His career was troubled by injury
A motorcycle injury he sustained when not wearing a helmet nearly derailed his professional career before it began. 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 won the vacant WBA Lightweight title in 2009, by defeating Antonio Pitalua in the second round via (TKO) referee stoppage. Pound for pound, he may not have had an equal.
Assaults were alleged
Twice, Valero had been alleged to have committed assault, but both times it was dismissed. He was ordered to get six months of counseling and rehabilitation in March of 2010. The cause of the Edwin Valera wife murder suicide. Hopefully, his family and friends can find some measure of peace.
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