The right man to beat Edwin Valero?

I admit I have, for a few years now, been very reluctant to buy into the massive hype surrounding Edwin Valero. To some degree I still think that part of his appeal that has his fans already nominating him as a future all-time great and practically smuggling him into current pound-for-pound lists is that he is a largely unseen phenomenon in the Western world. Boxing fans love to die hard and spout off about the perfection of an unknown quantity. This went on, years ago, with Joe Calzaghe...before that, as you might remember, with Khaosai Galaxy. But, in both cases, sooner or later they arrived on the world stage and some, if not all, questions were revealed as both beginning and end.

There are certain unknowns that have lingered longer than they otherwise might have about Valero because of all the sanctioning and medical clearance issues and what not keeping him out of certain fights with a certain class of fighter in coutries with major boxing traffic. I don't want to get into any debate about the sanctioning issues and medical clearances. Those issues are nearly academic at this point, it seems.

My question is, based on what you have seen from Valero so far in his career. Who out there has the style and the tools to beat him?

Like I said, I am no Valero fan, but I was impressed with his recent demolition of Antonio Pitalua. I predicted that fight would go on much longer and be much more competitive than it was--even considering Pitalua's advanced state of boxing decrepitude. But I still don't know what to make of Valero.

All questions will probably be solved in time, but I am curious to get some input...and I am sure the debate will be contentious as it ever is when concerning this fighter.

Is there anyone between super-featherweight and lightweight that could simply outslug Valero and beat him at his own game?

Are there any technicians that you think would simply be too slick for Valero? How might they best go about outfoxing him?

Are there any chins around the weight classes in question that would hold up to Valero's power? If so, how does that change the fight and the odds?

Is speed the killer waiting to upend Valero's unbeaten streak?

How might Valero do against fellow prospects like Urbano Antillon and Jorge Linares--the two guys I think are the best up-and-comers at or around the weight?

Against the excellent Roman Martinez who appears seasoned and balanced while still young and fresh...an impressive combination?

It is my opinion that Juan Manuel Marquez, despite getting on in years and out of his best weight divisions would simply take Valero apart at this point in the young fighters' career? Too much elite experience, too slick, too cool, too precise, too complete a fighter, I think. What do you think?

 

i think you make a very smart point about raheem. he's not someone that i was considering because, maybe prematurely, i kind of wrote him off after i watched him get smoked by funeka. but your point remains smart and on point, i think.