By Jake Donovan - There’s something to be said about a fighter who wasn’t always destined for greatness yet still remain at a pace similar to those who were groomed for success from the moment they turned pro.
Antonio DeMarco wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth, nor did he enjoy the benefit of a sugar daddy paying for his fights and cherry picking his opposition on the way to the top.
Instead, he went about his business the old-fashioned way – he earned it.
All of the proof that you need is in the form of this weekend’s main event on SHOWTIME. With alphabet titles a dime a dozen, there are plenty of other roads DeMarco could’ve traveled this weekend. He instead sought the toughest possible challenge for his first shot at a major title.
It is that path that leads the 24-year old Mexican to a showdown with undefeated knockout artist Edwin Valero this weekend in Monterrey, Mexico (Saturday, SHOWTIME 9PM ET/PT).
The writing was on the wall around this time last year that bigger and better things were in store for DeMarco (23-1-1, 17KO). In fact, this Saturday will mark exactly 52 weeks since the night he advanced from rising prospect to bona fide contender.
Or as they say on Showtime, graduating from Shobox to its Championship Boxing series.
DeMarco graduated with honors that evening, passing a tough test with flying colors in forcing lightweight contender Almazbek Raiymkulov to retire on his stool after eight fierce and relatively close rounds of action. Click Here To Read More]
One thing that I believe for sure is that Demarco won't fold when he gets rocked. Kid Diamond had him on clear street, he weathered the storm, got back to what he was doing that had him winning the fight and made Kid Diamond a KO. victim. If team Valero goes in there thinking this will be another quick night where he gets his arms raised in triump before breaking a serious sweat, then they will probably be very disappointed. 1k on Demarco? who wants it?
You're probably right about DeMarco having a lot of heart and determination to win. As you have mentioned he was rocked by Diamond but also by Adjaho, Vasquez and Reyes too. I have the feeling if Valero nails him flush he'll go down in a heap and finish him if he can get back up. DeMarco only has an average chin that is why his team has been trying to get him to box more instead of brawling like he used to. The only guy that managed to survive two knockdowns from Valero was iron chinned Mosquera but he took an incredible beating til the 10th.
I like Demarco in this one. In his fights that i have seen he has shown that he can fight different styles. Some say he only knows how to bang but I have seen him display a nice skill set and d*mn good technical boxing skills. Valero is a banger plain and simple, yes he too can box or he wouldn't be where he is, but his style is to bang and overwhelm is opponent over the course of the fight. I don't think this will work with Demarco, who makes great adjustments as the fight wears on. One thing that I believe for sure is that Demarco won't fold when he gets rocked. Kid Diamond had him on clear street, he weathered the storm, got back to what he was doing that had him winning the fight and made Kid Diamond a KO. victim. If team Valero goes in there thinking this will be another quick night where he gets his arms raised in triump before breaking a serious sweat, then they will probably be very disappointed. 1k on Demarco? who wants it?
I am in for the night this weekend watching that fight because of the snow that will hit my city. I hope DeMarco beats Valero. It won't be easy though. Both guys have their strengths.
Power? Hell yeah!! But speed? I dont think Valero is verry fast. But i think his power is to much for De Marco, Valeros power is impressive, hes propably the hardest puncher p4p. But he looks beatable, i just dont think Demarco is the guy to do it. A fast defensive guy with skills could make Valero look stupid but i think DeMarco will get into a brawl like most mexicans and thats his downfall.
I agree that that Demarco will get into a brawl, but not because he's Mexican. He won't be able to do anything else. I've seen him fight, including his "Big" wins and he gets hit too much among other things. I don't know who this guy is writing about, Demarco doesn't have enough skill, at least not yet.
I think Valero will steam roll him.
Too much power, speed and strength for De marco to handle
Power? Hell yeah!! But speed? I dont think Valero is verry fast. But i think his power is to much for De Marco, Valeros power is impressive, hes propably the hardest puncher p4p. But he looks beatable, i just dont think Demarco is the guy to do it. A fast defensive guy with skills could make Valero look stupid but i think DeMarco will get into a brawl like most mexicans and thats his downfall.
DeMarco started as a brawler earlier on his career and his trainers have been working on his boxing in the past couple of years, but it's evident that he can mix it up when he wants to and can be extremely dangerous and explosive when he does, Valero is gonna be in a really tough spot on Saturday, mark my words.
I agree this is a very tough fight for valero and I think demarco will be too much for him. hopefully it turns into an all out war.
Valero has the experience and Demarco has the hometown Mexican crowd, if Demarco sets the tempo and uses his height and reach and keep the fight on the outside it can be a long nite for el inca.I think it be too much aggression for demarco and there ain't no way he will be able to counter it. Valero has fought better competition than Demarco has and valero looks continue the heat seeking missle style and throw them bombs .Hopefully it will be a good fight
Thats is true this days people go with the hype and yet when a really good boxer emerges people write him off because they don't recognize him. I mean i understand the casual boxing fan that don't know anything else but for some people here that call themselves a boxing fan and yet don't even know the skills of the other guy are just really dumb. Same thing was said about martinez a really good fighter look what happened in my opinion a fight that should of went to his favor if it wasn't for hometown decision.
DeMarco started as a brawler earlier on his career and his trainers have been working on his boxing in the past couple of years, but it's evident that he can mix it up when he wants to and can be extremely dangerous and explosive when he does, Valero is gonna be in a really tough spot on Saturday, mark my words.
The reason why people think Valero is gonna "KO" DeMarco is because Valero has been waaaaay overhyped than DeMarco who is pretty much unknown to the casual fans, it's unfortunate for him since he's such a great fighter and hasn't even primed yet, he's very underrated but that can be a good thing for him coming into this fight, and even better if he wins.
Thats is true this days people go with the hype and yet when a really good boxer emerges people write him off because they don't recognize him. I mean i understand the casual boxing fan that don't know anything else but for some people here that call themselves a boxing fan and yet don't even know the skills of the other guy are just really dumb. Same thing was said about martinez a really good fighter look what happened in my opinion a fight that should of went to his favor if it wasn't for hometown decision.
i think demarco might pulling this one off. the reason why i say this if u watched the mosquera fight vs valero, mosquera had valero stunned and dropped in the fight. ofcourse valero won but the style mosquera has is similar to demarco except demarco is younger and quicker. demarco will pull the upset
Not to mention DeMarco has more pop than Mosquera.
i think demarco might pulling this one off. the reason why i say this if u watched the mosquera fight vs valero, mosquera had valero stunned and dropped in the fight. ofcourse valero won but the style mosquera has is similar to demarco except demarco is younger and quicker. demarco will pull the upset
I'm surprised at the number of people who believe that DeMarco is going to willingly assume the role of punching bag.
The way I see the fight is this:
Valero is the best puncher DeMarco has ever faced.
DeMarco is the most technically sound fighter Valero has ever faced.
For the first time in his career, Valero will (or might) have to rely on something other than his raw power to carry him to the finish line.
The reason why people think Valero is gonna "KO" DeMarco is because Valero has been waaaaay overhyped than DeMarco who is pretty much unknown to the casual fans, it's unfortunate for him since he's such a great fighter and hasn't even primed yet, he's very underrated but that can be a good thing for him coming into this fight, and even better if he wins.
I'm surprised at the number of people who believe that DeMarco is going to willingly assume the role of punching bag.
The way I see the fight is this:
Valero is the best puncher DeMarco has ever faced.
DeMarco is the most technically sound fighter Valero has ever faced.
For the first time in his career, Valero will (or might) have to rely on something other than his raw power to carry him to the finish line.
What makes you think demarco will stand there for valero?? after valero gets a boxing lesson come back and talk. One question though werent you the same guy that also posted that williams was gonna tko/ko martinez?? if it was you good predictions lol i seen some PR guy post that shit before
It's obvious this clown has never watched a DeMarco fight, it's funny how all this talk about Valero's power and this and that, they got this misconception that DeMarco is just some soft boxer, this dude brawls like a monster and has power, if anything I would put money on DeMarco's chin than Valero who got KD by a light puncher Mosquera.
I think Valero will steam roll him.
Too much power, speed and strength for De marco to handle
What makes you think demarco will stand there for valero?? after valero gets a boxing lesson come back and talk. One question though werent you the same guy that also posted that williams was gonna tko/ko martinez?? if it was you good predictions lol i seen some PR guy post that shit before
di marco will be lucky to survive the first 6 rounds.
another ko win for valero.
What makes you say this? based on that comment it seems you have never watched any of DeMarco's fights, the only fight where DeMarco looked ackwardly was against Adjaho, and that's because Adjaho is such a tricky fighter and he couldn't find a solid rhythm, so if that's the only DeMarco you've seen you got that statement all wrong. Valero pressures, but he's reckless and open almost all the time, DeMarco has perfected his boxing skills which he needed to do, he's longer and actually sets up his punches with a stiff jab, he can brawl and go inside as well with his longer reach, I'm not claiming he's just gonna walk through Valero, but to say he's got no chance in winning this fight is ridiculous, this is a VERY GOOD matchup.
Great piece Donovan, my boy DeMarco has sure come a long way, I'm sure he's more than ready for his big test on Saturday. Edwin Valero is no joke but he's got a lot of flaws in his attacks, DeMarco is a pressision power puncher and he's gonna catch the open and wild Valero. Most people think that if DeMarco chooses to brawl with Edwin he's getting KO'd, I beg to differ, DeMarco brawls like the best and you'd be surprised if he KO's Valero in one of those exchanges, I got too much faith in my boy. :boxing: