Edwin Valero (24-0, 24 knockouts) hasn't fought in the U.S. since 2003, but he'll step into a ring in Austin, Texas, on Saturday night in a major return bout, trying to defeat Colombia's Antonio Pitalua (46-3, 40 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council lightweight title.
The "Lightweight Lightning" card, which also includes lightweight bouts between Michael Katsidis and Jesus Chavez and California's Vicente Escobedo and respected veteran Carlos Hernandez, is a $39.95 pay-per-view show.
Both Valero and Pitalua weighed in at or just under the 135-pound limit on Friday, the last obstacle Valero needed to clear for his first U.S. fight since an Irvine Marriott card.
Valero, formerly managed by Oscar De La Hoya's father, Joel, was supposed to fight in New York after the Irvine bout but a medical exam revealed a hole in his skull, said former promoter Richard Schaefer. Valero's boxing license was revoked and he fought the next 15 bouts in destinations such as Japan, Venezuela, Panama and Mexico.
"He was in a motorcycle accident as a kid in Venezuela and fractured his skull; the hole is in the back of his head," said Schaefer, who noted that experts like Nevada's Dr. Margaret Goodman objected to Valero fighting.
"He has gone through extensive testing, and now Texas has cleared him," said Schaefer. "Texas obviously feels they've done enough due diligence to keep him safe. I know others in the states feel quite different."
Valero, however, is a devastating puncher, scoring first-round knockouts in his first 18 fights.
He's now fighting for the title vacated by Manny Pacquiao.
-- Lance Pugmire
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