This is a boxing forum. We are discussing boxing here in a tasteless manner. So you feel the need to comment on this, but you don't feel the need to comment on the amount of people saying they'd like to **** on his grave?
I went with gatekeeper. I think Khan would have been the only top ranked Super Lightweight Valero would have even had a chance against and thats just because of Khan's suspect chin. I think Valero was overhyped and would have been exposed the moment he stepped in the ring with a real fighter.
I voted all-time great, but not top tier all-time great. I was a big fan of Edwin and would've liked for him to reach the heights of a Pacquiao or Mayweather, but since he really just reached his prime, it is hard to say how far he could have gone.
I’d say Solid Champ the very least, but had the potential (if remained focused like a fighter should) to hit the ATG status. People seem to be under the impression that it was only in recent times he’d been plagued by his demons. When in fact, he’d been fighting them since 18, leading to a stop start career. I’m pretty sure he would have progressed a lot quicker had he been free of these distractions. His last fight against De Marco, certainly showed the potential
When i saw him take out Pitalua in 2 rounds with that peach of a right, i knew the guy had something special. For me he could have risen above solid champ status.
Gabe Montoya's article on him sheds a lot of info as well as issues. Interesting contribution and insights guys.
He reminded me of a young Roberto Duran in his intensity. In terms of ability I'd rate Duran 10/10 and Valero probably 8.5/10
I like to ask those who have already posted here. Do you think he would have beaten Bradley and Alexander at 140? How do you see either fight?
Absolutely. He struggled mightily with Collazo who is the epitome of "gatekeeper". Let's not derail the thread though. My bad.
Yeah, I forgot about Collazo. And Quintana too. Should have been there in that category with Judah and company. I think I was thinking more on Hatton's reign at 140, where he was undefeated, until that fight with Pacquaio. Where do you have Valero in the poll btw?
id say a solid champion. he's very explosive though much like pac style. but will be very limited cuz he's not allowed to fight in most places in the US.