Jean Pierre Valencia defeats DC champ Christian Hamilton on Newark pro-am card
Photo: Jean Pierre Valencia (R) lands a right hand on Christian Hamilton in their 165-pound open class bout. Photo by Carlo Estonactoc
NEWARK — Jean Pierre Valencia emerged victorious Saturday night in a battle of amateur champions, defeating Washington D.C. Golden Gloves champ Christian Hamilton by unanimous decision at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, N.J.
Valencia of Irvington, N.J. scored the only standing eight count of the fight in round one, stunning Hamilton with a right hand in the corner.
Hamilton, who had been held to split decision losses against some of the country’s best boxers, never stopped pushing forward, battling in close to turn the fight into a brawl. Valencia’s power once again came into play in the third round as he stunned Hamilton with a right hand and left hook to secure the victory.
Valencia also displayed his clout at the box office as well, showing his popularity by selling the most tickets of any boxer on the five-bout amateur portion of the pro-am card, which was promoted by Rising Star Promotions.
“It felt great to fight on my first pro-am show in the U.S.,” said Valencia, who is known as “El Verdugo,” or “The Butcher.”
“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.”
Valencia, 23, is the reigning N.J. Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves champion at 165 pounds, and won the New York Boxing Championships earlier this year at that same weight.
Valencia and Hamilton nearly crossed paths at the National Golden Gloves tournament in May. Valencia made it to the semifinals and earned a bronze medal, while Hamilton lost a competitive decision to the no. 1 ranked Donte Layne in the quarterfinals.
Valencia, whose amateur record is now 25-3, was born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador and grew up in Barcelona, Spain.
Head trainer Ryan Songalia says the plan is to look for meaningful amateur challenges before turning professional in 2024.
“Jean Pierre has boxed against movers, knockout punchers, brawlers and every other style in between over the last year. This kind of experience has prepared him to face anyone once he takes off the headgear and turns professional,” said Songalia, who trains Valencia alongside conditioning coach Aaron Watson.
In other action, 2023 National Junior Golden Gloves champion Yoel “Boy Boy” Cooper of DORCA Boxing defeated Makai Moore by unanimous decision in a 132-pound junior male bout.
Samir Dieujuste of DORCA Boxing used his jab and boxing ability to outpoint Abedallah Elaiwah of Aces Boxing by unanimous decision in a 156-pound open class bout.
Jasai Kirkpatrick of Ironbound Boxing defeated Dar’el Le by unanimous decision in their 147-pound open class bout.
Chakor Claiborne of Ironbound Boxing defeated Ethan Gonzalez by split decision in their 132-pound open class bout.