After the tragic events that took place this weekend in the city of Valencia, Venezuela, that ended the life of Mrs. Jennifer Carolina Viera Valero, and her husband Venezuelan boxer Edwin “Inca” Valero, the family of the World Boxing Association is in solidarity with the families, and accompanies them on their immense pain.
“With the deepest sadness I write these words of sympathy and condolences to the family of the young Jennifer Viera Carolina. The arrangement of the World Boxing Association was to provide every possible avenue of assistance to the Valero family. We were willing to give the assistance with our committee of doctors to help the rehabilitation of Edwin. Beyond all we could see the human side of the situation and simply provide our desire to motivate change for the better,” said Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, executive vice president of the WBA.
Also, Mendoza said: “I regret everything that happens in my boxing community of Venezuela.
OPEN LETTER
This Sunday, I had just finished writing these words of encouragement to the Viera family and it came to my mind a lot of vivid memories of Edwin. I remember the first time I had the opportunity to meet you at the Recreation Center. The newbie had knocked out his opponent in the ring, and thankfully his great potential was seen by Joe Hernandez who took him to the promoter Golden Boy Promotions.
My second encounter with Edwin was in Caracas after his landslide victory over Alejandro Heredia in the first round. From the moment I saw the punch, I saw a great future for Valero that night in Merida. He signed with Golden Boy Promotions and had a bright future ahead.
On one occasion he tried to participate in the KO Drugs sponsored by my friend Eduardo Alvarez. Several attempts were made but we could not make the fight.
Shortly after a decision was published by the New York State Athletic Commission, not to approve his medical license to fight in that state, and therefore, following the federal system is not allowed to fight in any other state.
He approached the Turmero headquarters accompanied by Professor Jorge Zerpa and here I began to deepen my relationship with Edwin. The first topic of conversation was the medical part and gave me the test results that were issued. Immediately I started making all the arrangements for various boxing commissions to examine his physical condition and then: Argentina, Panama, France and Japan, supported a license for the boxer.
The momentum, willingness and ability to work, I can never erase from my life. The times he trained observers did not see anyone work so hard.
From my point of view, we want to reinforce our intention to turn professional boxing in the vehicle for improving lives of our athletes. It makes me reflect on the great ability to attract masses have reached a boxer in the ring against his attitude outside. It makes me think that we require education in the social consciousness of those around the individual. If we are unable to transmit values and principles in our home, we will not be able to change many institutions of our society.
In the WBA, we will seek to deepen a way to get education and warning outside the ropes.
I know that no words will suffice to heal the souls of their relatives. It is a tragedy in our history of boxing.
For now I’m just concerned about the children of Edwin and Jennifer. Finding a way to make sure they have the proper health coverage and educational background will be a priority.
Peace to their remains.
Gilberto Jesus Mendoza
WBA Executive Vice President
