Kahshad Elliott outclasses Jean Pierre Valencia, wins decision at Prudential Center

NEWARK — Plainfield’s Kahshad Elliott improved his unbeaten record to 9-0 (7 KOs) with a decision win Friday over Jean Pierre Valencia at Prudential Center.

Two judges scored the fight for the 26-year-old “Horse Power” Elliott by tallies of 60-54 and 58-56, while the third had it inexplicably for Valencia at 59-55.

Elliott, who is signed to Split-T Management and Rising Star Promotions, had the superior jab from the outset, using his timing to target Valencia, who drops to 4-1-1 (2 KOs) with the defeat.

Elliott turned up the activity in the third, stunning Valencia with right hands that had him backing up. Elliott took advantage of Valencia walking straight forward in straight lines to land uppercuts with both hands while targeting the body as well.

Elliott was on the verge of scoring his fourth straight stoppage in the sixth round when a counter right stood Valencia straight up, leaving him vulnerable to target practice from Elliott. Elliott continued to land power punches drawing blood from Valencia’s nose before the bell saved the now once-beaten fighter.

Elliott was fighting with a heavy heart as he was entering the ring for the first time since the passing of his late trainer Aroz “Terrific” Gist. He says he is ready for bigger challenges next.

“I’m trying to keep fighting these undefeated guys. I don’t shy away from nothing; they give me the undefeated guys, I take them,” said Elliott.

“A lot of guys shy away from these fights and try to fight dudes with a whole bunch of losses on cards like this just to look good. But I wanted to show that I could last the whole time, have fun, look good, and not get hit. I still look pretty.”