The story of Edwin Valero, the Venezuelan boxer known as “El Inca,” is one of tragic downfall. With a career marked by unprecedented success in the ring, Valero’s life outside of it was marred by a long-standing struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol, a battle he had been fighting since he was just 11 years old. This dual existence ultimately led to a devastating conclusion that would shock the boxing world and beyond.
Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), reflected on Valero’s talent and tragic end, noting, “Valero had incredibly heavy hands. Unfortunately, his life ended in tragedy, in controversy, but what happened inside the ring was tremendous for him.” Sulaimán’s words capture the essence of Valero’s boxing career, which was as remarkable as it was fleeting. Valero made his professional debut with a streak of 18 consecutive first-round knockout wins, surpassing a record that had stood since 1905. He went on to become the world champion in the super featherweight division of the World Boxing Association and the lightweight division of the World Boxing Council.
Despite his achievements in the ring, Valero’s personal life was a stark contrast. He was open about his political beliefs, being a declared supporter of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who provided him with significant support throughout his career. However, Valero’s struggles with addiction and personal demons began to overshadow his sporting achievements. In 2009, he was denied a visa to fight in the United States after being caught driving under the influence in Texas, a incident that marked the beginning of the end of his boxing career.
Valero’s last fight was against Antonio DeMarco in February 2010, which he won by knockout in the ninth round, retaining his WBC lightweight title. However, just two months later, his life took a turn for the worse. His wife, Jennifer, 24, was found stabbed to death in a hotel in Valencia, Venezuela. Valero confessed to the crime and was detained, only to take his own life by hanging himself in his cell the following day, on April 19, 2010, at the age of 28.
The news of Valero’s death sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with many remembering him for his formidable talent and tragic personal struggles. Sulaimán, still moved by the events, said, “I would have never believed what happened. I was completely shocked. With a broken heart because he was a very good friend.” The president of the WBC also spoke about Valero’s addiction, saying, “The sky was the limit for Valero because he was young, talented, and powerful. Unfortunately, he experienced the evil of cocaine. In a short time, he lost his head.”
Valero’s family later revealed that his addiction had led to paranoid behavior, causing him to hallucinate and believe that his family members were plotting against him. His sister shared that in one of their last meetings, Valero was insulting and believed they wanted to harm him, a stark contrast to the charismatic and calm individual many knew him to be. The family’s accounts paint a picture of a man consumed by his addictions, leading to a tragic sequence of events that was, in their view, not just a sudden outburst but a culmination of his long-standing struggles.
Edwin “El Inca” Valero’s story serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive power of addiction and the importance of seeking help. Despite his untimely and tragic demise, his legacy in the world of boxing remains, a reminder of the heights he reached and the potential that was lost. As the boxing community continues to reflect on his career and personal struggles, it is a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges that many athletes face beyond the spotlight of their sport.
