Opinion: WBC Lightweight Champion Edwin Could Land in Jail for Assault

WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero has reportedly been admitted to a rehabilitation center for alcohol and drug addiction. He entered the center in Merida, Venezuela under court order as a result of a reported physical abuse he committed on his wife which necessitated hospital treatment.

If the reports are true, Valero should not only be committed to a drug rehab center but he should be put in jail for inflicting physical damage on his wife. Being a world champion, valero is expected to set a good example to boxing fans especially in his home country, as a good role model to the youth .

Valero has just retained his WBC lightweight crown last month by beating Mexican Antonio de Marco, maintaining his zero loss in his professional boxing record.

Yahoo Sports:

Police detained Valero following an argument he had with a doctor and nurse at a hospital in Merida, where his wife was being treated for a series of injuries, including a punctured lung and broken ribs.

Valero accused a police officer of pressuring his wife, Jennifer Carolina Viera, to tell authorities her injuries were the result of domestic violence, Mora said. Viera has not publicly commented on the incident.

Valero is being groomed as Manny Pacquiao's possible opponent by trainer Freddie Roach on account of his impressive professional boxing record. Valero who is 27 years old has not lost a single fight in his professional boxing career.

But pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in a statement issued more than a year ago, belittled Valero's boxing prowess saying he was fighting unknown boxers who are not hugely rated.

Valero has been calling on Pacquiao for a possible mega fight and the opportunity to share in the huge fight purse that the Filipino boxer will generate for the fight.

Jose Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council, said in a statement that the organization supports Valero’s therapy and hopes he “becomes an example of determination and courage for the world’s youth.”

(original article appeared @ Digital Journal )