Jean Pierre Valencia Triumphs Over D.C. Champ Christian Hamilton in Amateur Boxing Clash

In a thrilling showdown of amateur boxing champions, Irvington's own Jean Pierre Valencia secured a decisive victory over Washington D.C. Golden Gloves champion Christian Hamilton. The intense battle unfolded on Saturday night, Nov. 11, at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, culminating in Valencia's triumphant unanimous decision.

The action-packed bout witnessed Valencia, also known as "El Verdugo" or "The Butcher," assert his dominance early on, scoring the fight's sole standing eight count in the first round. A powerful right hand in the corner left Hamilton stunned, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Despite Hamilton's resilient forward push, Valencia's strength and strategic prowess prevailed, particularly in the third round, securing his well-deserved victory with a combination of a right hand and a left hook.

Beyond his prowess in the ring, Valencia showcased his popularity at the box office, selling the highest number of tickets among all boxers on the five-bout amateur section of the pro-am card. The event, organized by Rising Star Promotions, marked Valencia's debut on a U.S. pro-am show.

Reflecting on the experience, Valencia expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It felt great to fight on my first pro-am show in the U.S. I’m glad I could give a show for my fans. We will continue working to get more people to come and support me in the Butcher Show."

At 23 years old, Valencia holds the titles of N.J. Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves champion at 165 pounds. Earlier this year, he clinched victory at the New York Boxing Championships in the same weight class. Born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, and raised in Barcelona, Spain, Valencia's diverse background adds to the intrigue of his promising boxing career.

The clash with Hamilton almost occurred earlier in the year at the National Golden Gloves tournament in May. While Valencia secured a bronze medal in the semifinals, Hamilton faced a competitive decision against the No. 1-ranked Donte Layne in the quarterfinals. With an amateur record now standing at 25-3, Valencia's journey is gaining momentum, setting the stage for a transition to the professional arena in 2024.

Head trainer Ryan Songalia shared insights into Valencia's development, emphasizing the diverse challenges he has faced in the past year. Songalia revealed the plan to seek meaningful amateur challenges before making the leap to the professional ranks in 2024. As Valencia's boxing journey continues, fans can anticipate his return to the ring in December, eager to witness the rising star's ongoing success.

(Source: Essex News Daily)

(Image courtesy: Essex News Daily)