Pacquiao saddened over Valero’s death

People's Champ Manny Pacquiao is saddened over the news that Venezuelan boxer Edwin Valero committed suicide in prison on April 19.

“Nagulat ako sa pangyayari. Malaki siguro ang problema nila,” the pound-per-pound king related on “TV Patrol World,” April 20.

The 28-year old Valero, a former WBC Lightweight Champion, was arrested on Sunday after admitting to have killed his young wife, Jennifer Carolina Viera de Valero, at their hotel room in Valencia. He hanged himself inside his cell using his pants as ropes. Security personnel were still able to rush him to the hospital but shortly after, he was declared dead due to asphyxiation.

Pacquiao expressed his condolences to the family of the pugilist who was being considered as one of his future opponents. Valero and his wife are survived by their two children.

“Kung anuman ‘yung problema nila, ipagdasal na lang sa Panginoon,” he said.

Known as the only boxer with a perfect knock-out record, Valero was undefeated in all his 27 fights. He is recognized for his aggressive style in fighting, thereby earning him the tag “Inca,” which means “warrior.”

“It was a terrible tragedy… he and Manny would’ve made a great fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Pacquiao and Valero are friends. Valero even went to the Philippines in December 2008 to attend Pacman’s 30th birthday celebration in General Santos.

Source: The Manila Bulletin "Entertainment Article"