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Source: Tim Harrison, Fight Hype

-- 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 Pacquiao v.2.0’s right hook is infinitely better than that of the outdated model, v.1.0.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.