Читать книгу Berserk. The Shocking Life and Death of Edwin Valero онлайн

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Still, it appeared Valero was turning pro at a good time. Though heavyweights had always taken the spotlight, some of the most popular fighters in the business—Johnny Tapia, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and a new star, Manny Pacquiao—were in the featherweight range. They fought in Las Vegas and were featured on HBO. Valero and his team must have been encouraged by the growing prestige of the lighter fighters. With a style suited to the professional ranks, and a hunger for fame, Valero could invade these lower weight classes like the Visigoths sacking Rome. Perhaps, unlike most Venezuelan fighters, he'd leave his mark in America.

But the story nearly ended before it began.

On February 5, 2001, Valero was ripping down the street on a motorcycle. His father had been in a car accident, and he was on his way to help him. Stories varied. Either Valero slammed into a car and hit his head on the back windshield, or he flew over the car and landed headfirst on some asphalt. He wasn't wearing a helmet.