By Ted Sares – He’s a good fighter, but I’m up for bigger and better things –Valero
Edwin “Dinamita” Valero lived up to the hype as the Venezuelan bomber made his prime-time debut in the U.S. an awesome one and won the vacant WBC Lightweight title. The last time he fought in this country was in 2003 when he knocked out Tomaz Zambrano in California, but medical issues have prevented him from returning until now.
The first round was a tentative one in which both fighters felt each other out but one in which Valero finished strong by landing a sharp combination signaling what was to come. “Dinamita” then quickly ended matters. He floored and badly hurt his imposing looking opponent, Antonio Pitalua, in an exchange and that, for all practical purposes, was the end. Pitalua got to his feet but was on Queer Street and was swarmed upon by Valero who atypically threw straight and extremely fast combos until Pitalua hit the deck again. Once more, he got up but on rubbery legs as referee Laurence Cole kept a close eye on him. Valero then attacked again and seemed to land everything he threw and he threw plenty until Pitalua went down this time for good. And all of this happened in just 49 seconds.
Valero, showing a crispness and speed that perhaps can be attributed to his new trainer, the savvy Robert Alcazar, now moves to 25-0 with all wins coming by way of stoppage. He also moves to center stage along with Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquaio. He is an exceptional puncher and a very exciting fighter with the demeanor of a champion and the charisma of a superstar. Indeed, the specter of an Edwin Valero vs. Manny Pacquiao fight takes on new meaning and if it is made, it could be one of the biggest fights in recent boxing history. Time will tell.
All in all, Valero’s win capped a great night of fighting in Austin that featured action galore. It was a PPV that was well worth the money.