Edwin Valero proved he has superstar potential with an impressive 9th-round TKO over Antonio Demarco to retain his WBC Lightweight title in Monterrey Mexico. With his relentless, ferocious intensity and non-stop, punishing two-fisted attacking style, Valero is one of the most exciting and unique champions in the world today. Early in this fight he was cut three times. The 28-year-old Venezuelan suffered cuts over and under the right eye, as well as by an accidental elbow from his Mexican challenger which slashed a huge gash on his forehead. He also had a bloody nose after round one from a stiff jab by Demarco. By round three, Valero had blood all over his face and upper body, but he was never distracted or bothered by the wounds. Valero continued his brutal assault and also showed some slick defensive moves and head movements. Demarco, who smiled confidently and played with his baby daughter during pre-fight introductions, looked hopelessly beaten by round eight. His corner rightfully halted the massacre after round nine.

After the fight, Valero celebrated jubilantly, like a young Roberto Duran. He told Showtime commentator Steve Farhood it was the best performance of his career. It might end up being one of the most impressive performances of 2010. Valero, now 27-0 (27 KO’s), deserves an HBO or Showtime contract, as future fights with Juan Manuel Marquez, Ali Funeka and Joel Casamayor await.

In Newark, NJ, two-time world champion Tomasz Adamek made his second appearance as a heavyweight, this time taking on a young, prime contender in former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, after stopping the faded former world title challenger Andrew Golota late last year. Estrada is a talented, experienced boxer with a record of 16-3, but a lack of punch power has limited his success as a pro. Adamek, the former WBC Light Heavyweight champion, showed on Saturday night he has top 10-quality skills and stamina as he scored a unanimous decision win over 12 rounds. But it’s still a big question if charismatic Pole has enough natural strength and power to knock off either of the Klitschko brothers. Adamek’s next opponent could be Chris Arreola in April, and based on this good but not astounding performance vs. Estrada, Adamek will be a decided underdog in that potentially exciting matchup.

Super middleweight Peter Quillin dominated Fernando Zuniga over 10 rounds on the Adamek-Estrada undercard. Quillin is now 21-0 (15).

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