Gerardo Valero dies in Tijuana

Former Mexican national heavyweight champion Gerardo Valero Martínez, who was nicknamed “Rocky” was yet another fatality from Covid-19, today in Tijuana.

Valero became Baja California’s first champion on May 30, 1986, defeating Mauricio Villegas on points after 12 rounds, in a fight held in Tijuana. Six months later Villegas recovered the crown in the same way.

Before that, Valero had contested the light heavyweight title against David “Macetón” Cabrera, who defeated him by unanimous decision in a battle held in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, State of Mexico. This happened on December 15, 1985.

Valero was born in Tijuana, Baja California, on September 12, 1957. He fought as a professional from 1984 to 1993.

It is a very sad loss, and from the World Boxing Council we send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Gerardo`s family, and friends, as well as the personal condolences of our President Mauricio Sulaimán.