14 years ago

Date: 6th February 2010

Title: WBC World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Zanfer Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions

Tv: Showtime

Edwin Valero
( 26 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 135 lbs

Antonio DeMarco
( 23 - 1 - 1 )
Weight: 135 lbs

The second defence of Valero's WBC World Lightweight Title and sadly the last time we would see the 28-year-old Venezuelan in a boxing ring. Two months later the unbeaten two-weight world champion was found dead. Valero committed suicide in jail after being arrested on suspicion of killing his wife.

Valero is one of boxing's classic 'What might have been' stories. The southpaw former WBA World Super-featherweight titleholder won each of his 27 fights by stoppage, his style and punching power ensuring exciting, fan-friendly viewing.

Cut on the cheek in the 1st round and then on the forehead and left eye in the 2nd, the champion then went about steadily wearing down his Mexican challenger with his blend of heavy-handed punching and educated pressure until DeMarco retired at the end of the 9th round.