by Doug Fischer

Edwin Valero, the undefeated WBA 130-pound titlist who was banned from fighting in the U.S. by the New York State Athletic Commission four years ago due to a previous non-boxing related head injury, has been cleared to fight in the state of Texas, according to his Japan-based promotional company Teiken Boxing.

Valero's application for a Texas boxing license was recently approved by the Department of Licensing and Regulation, which governs all boxing matters that take place in Texas. According to Teiken, Valero had to pass a battery of physical and neurological exams in

order to satisfy the state regulators and medical specialists.

The decision by Texas boxing officials comes as good news to Valero, who has fought in Japan, his native Venezuela, Argentina, Panama, France and Mexico since his boxing license was put on indefinite medical suspension in the U.S., but has yearned to fight in

America, where he first turned heads as an underground boxing sensation. 

“I am very pleased to know that Texas has approved my license,” said Valero, who holds a perfect 23-0 (23) record, including 19 first-round KOs. “It has been four years since I have boxed in the United States. I am back! I will deliver my best performance ever when I fight in Texas. Thank you to the officials who made this possible and to all the fans who have supported me; I will make you proud.”

The 26-year-old southpaw is currently training in Las Vegas with noted veteran boxing coach Kenny Adams in preparation for his next fight against his WBA mandatory challenger, Israel Perez of Argentina, on June 12th in Tokyo, Japan. After this mandatory title defense, Valero says he would like to fight in Texas against a top-rated junior lightweight or lightweight contender sometime this September.