Top Rank's Bob Arum was the first to arrive at the Martinez vs Pavlik post press conference at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Saturday night. It was not a great night for the legendary boxing promoter.
To begin with, his star middleweight Kelly Pavlik had just handed over his three world title belts in a war with the Argentinian underdog, Sergio Martinez.
Secondly, his match maker Bruce Trampler had been treated and released from an Atlantic City hospital the day before after suffering an apparent stroke. Arum had said that he had not "seemed right" and was not feeling well the days leading up to the incident. He said that Trampler is feeling better but will undergo more analysis at the Cleveland Clinic on Monday.
Photo: Ed Anderson 8CN
Lastly. A shocking story coming out of Valencia, Venezuela where Top Ranks undefeated lightweight star Edwin Valero (27-0 27KO's) has been arrested on suspicion of murder for the death of his wife in a local hotel. Valero reportedly left the hotel room early Sunday morning and allegedly explained to hotel security that he had killed his wife, Jennifer Viera. Venezuelan Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores told state television that police found three stab wounds on Viera's body. He said Valero was in custody and transferred to a local police station to question the boxer and take samples that were needed for the murder investigation.
In a 8CN podcast today, Brad Cooney spoke with former middleweight champion Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora. Mora told 8CN that upon meeting Velero he thought the the 28 year old Valero acted "very wierd" and believed he had phycological problems. Mora said he had also been told "weird" stories from people that have worked with Valero in the gym.
Top Rank Spokesman Less Samuels told ESPN that they had just learned about the incident on Sunday and said Valero was not scheduled to fight in the United States any time soon as he was dealing with visa issues.
In light of all this bad news, Mr. Arum remained gracious and gave a lot of well deserving credit to the new world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez.
8CN extends our condolences to the Viera family and wishes a speedy recovery for Bruce Trampler.
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