Prospect Spotlight: Newly signed to Golden Boy – Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio
Earlier this month, Golden Boy Promotions signed another prospect, that is starting to perk up ears and turn heads, to their stable. Twenty-one year-old, Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio of Los Angeles, California made his professional debut at the age of eighteen on September 8, 2012 against Fernando Fuentes of Riverside, California. The two went toe to toe, working the body and head in a fight that was turning into an even fight, until Valerio took the win in the fourth round via TKO.
The 5’11” featherweight, who holds a current record of 5-0, 3 KOs, had a promising professional career until he came across issues in his previous management contract, which brought his boxing career to a halt. Valerio then met Joel De La Hoya, older brother of former six-time world champion and Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, and asked him to be his manager. “Joel De La Hoya became my manager when I approached him that I was struggling with my previous managerial contract,” said Valerio. “I needed the help. I couldn’t be more blessed for all he has helped me with.”
Soon after De La Hoya agreed to manage Valerio, his boxing career began a new journey. Valerio was back in the ring after nearly an eighteen-month layoff when he made his LA Fight Club debut on Jan 29, 2016 against Justin Lopez of Michigan, in which he took a first round TKO victory. Soon after his victory, Valerio signed a multiyear promotional contract with Golden Boy.
At age eleven, “Kid Neza” fell in love with the sport of boxing after his father brought him to the Century Sheriffs Boxing Gym in South Central LA, which is a non-profit organization that helps young kids stay out of trouble. Valerio’s father wanted to help him find a way to burn off his intense energy, so he tried putting his son in different sports. “I was like Duralast, energy for everything,” said Valerio. “I tried out for soccer in my school, basketball, softball, but I ended up getting kicked out because I always fought. We found this gym down in my neighborhood and I fell in love with the sport.”
Photo By: Willie Romero/Boxing Trend
Valerio remains at the Century Sheriffs Boxing Gym as a professional athlete because he wants to show the younger generation in boxing that it’s possible to be from their neighborhood of South Central and become something in the world. In his amateur days, Valerio earned first place at the Silver Gloves, The Oxnard Pals, The Blue and Gold, and The Ringside Kansas City Tournaments.
Ricky Hessia and Gerardo Amezqua are Valerio’s trainers, or as he prefers to call them, professors. Hessia has been working with Valerio for the past three years, helping him with his technical defense, movement, etc. Amezqua has been with Valerio for the past five years working with him to perfect his power and strength.
“I consider myself the type of fighter that does it all and tries to perfect what is taught to me,” said Valerio.
Valerio takes pride in being able to work alongside Bryan “El Tiquito” Vasquez. “The guy was sensational in boxing,” said Valerio. “I learned how to be elegant in the ring from working with such a great fighter like himself.”
Elegance does show in the ring for Valerio. Looking back at his pro debut, Valerio would switch off from orthodox to southpaw and utilized the body punches more than going up stairs. In his recent bout with Lopez, Valerio positioned himself well with his footwork to allow his punches to have effective power to stop his opponent. Though he is coming into his sixth professional fight, Valerio has learned since his debut that with faith, hard work and determination, all is possible. “I believe I’ve grown mentally, physically and spiritually,” said Valerio. “I never settle for good enough. I’m constantly striving to progress; always staying hungry. That’s what helps me to keep growing. I have faith through everything I go through in life. Always staying humbled and thankful for it. All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).”
“My ultimate goal in boxing is to be the best person I can be for myself, and to better myself. In the end, it’s just me, and the person who wants what I want for myself. I seek prosperity for all.”
Valerio returns to the ring once again on the next LA Fight Club edition featuring Manuel Avila vs. Rene Alvarado on Friday, April 1, against Mexico’s Javier Rodriguez (3-1, 2 KOs). Rodriguez hasn’t fought since coming off a loss in October 2014. That’s pretty much all is known about Valerio’s next opponent. “My team and I are ready for the unexpected,” said Valerio. “We always work hard, stay determined and prepare for all that awaits to bring to the ring. We have our plan ready to execute.”
Be sure to check out Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio live this Friday, April 1st at the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles. For more information on Valerio, follow him on Instagram @officialvalerioedgar and on Facebook – Edgar Valerio.
LA Fight Club: Manuel Avila vs. Rene Alvarado is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Camerlita Chorizo. Doors open at 5 pm and the first bout begins at 5:30 pm. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 1 at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 pm PT through 7 pm.
