Boxing Rocked With Edwin Valero, Wife Murder-suicide

On Sunday, April 18, former WBA Super Featherweight Champion and WBC Lightweight Champion Edwin Valero was arrested for the alleged murder of his wife, Jennifer Viera in Caracas, Venezuela. 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. He was an undefeated southpaw, and a boxing legend in the making. He had 27 wins to his name, all from knockouts and 19 of those in 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. Jennifer Viera, 24, was found dead by police from multiple stab wounds. 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. Valero marks the third high profile pugilists’ death in 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 was a boxing sensation. 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 since 1905. He shot to stardom from his 18 first round knockouts in a row, his first 18 professional fights.

Injury marred his career

Edwin Valero’s career nearly didn’t get off the ground, as he sustained a head injury from a motorcycle accident just before his professional debut. Since he suffered brain trauma, it meant he wouldn’t be licensed by many state bodies in the US, and didn’t fight there between 2003 and 2009. He returned to the states in 2009, defeating Antonio Pitalua in Texas, by referee stoppage (TKO) in the second round for the vacant WBO Lightweight title. Few could match him pound for pound.

Assaults were alleged

Assault allegations were brought against Valero twice, both times being dismissed. He was ordered to undergo six months counseling and rehabilitation in March of 2010. No one will ever know what touched off the Edwin Valero wife murder suicide. May his family and friends find some measure of peace during these times.

How To Look For The Best Bristol Boxing Club For You

Golfing Packages In St. Andrews – Taking The Family On Your Golf Vacation

Quality rich boxing equipment ensures safety of boxers

Everything you need to know about quality-boxing gloves!

· Filed Under Wrestling