Shocking news hit the boxing world Sunday morning as undefeated lightweight Edwin Valero has reportedly admitted to police that he murdered his wife, Jennifer Carolina Viera, in Venezuela.
Valero and his wife checked into a hotel in Valencia on Saturday night. Six hours later, Valero went to the lobby and confessed the murder to the staff, who informed the police. Jennifer was found with multiple stab wounds on her body. Valero, whose domestic disputes were known to the public, had been thought to be going into rehab for alcoholism and was seeking psychological help. He is currently in custody.
Details will follow in the coming days, but this likely ends the boxing career of Valero, which has been riddled with controversy. In February of 2001, he was involved in a motorcycle accident without wearing a helmet to protect him. Fracturing his skull, Valero underwent surgery to remove a blood clot. This medical condition has prevented him from competing in numerous countries, including the United States.
Once a Venezuelan doctor cleared him to compete, Valero began competing in various parts of the world, racking up impressive victories and even setting a world record with 18 straight first round knockouts. He won the biggest fight of his career this past February when he stopped Antonio DeMarco.
A month later, Valero was accused of assaulting Jennifer, who ended up in the hospital with severe bruises to the ribs and a punctured lung. Valero and his wife agreed that the injuries were sustained when Jennifer fell down some stairs. While in the hospital with Jennifer, Valero reportedly threatened several staff members and was ordered to psychiatric rehabilitation. A year ago, a rumor emerged that Valero had assaulted his own mother and sister.
All signs pointed to trouble for Valero down the road, but this latest tragedy in his life, apparently inflicted by his own hand, could very well mean the end of his boxing career.
