West New York amateur boxer Jean Pierre Valencia continued his winning streak on Friday, his second victory in a week, by defeating a former Golden Gloves champion.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I want to bring excitement to the boxing shows so the fans continue to support the sport. We are working hard every day and want to test ourselves against the best fighters. I have faith in my training and my team and am willing to fight anyone,” Jean Pierre Valencia, who improved to 13-1, said in a statement.
Valencia scored a decision over Abedallah Elaiwah on at the VFW in Kenilworth on Friday. This was the second meeting between the two fighters, with Valencia winning a competitive bout in November.
This time around, the 23-year-old North Hudson product dominated, neutralizing the southpaw with aggression and body punching.
Valencia brought the crowd to its feet, giving the fans who paid $1,800 per table to attend the Westfield College Men’s Club scholarship fundraiser their money’s worth.
The win came just six days after Valencia’s previous win, a decision over Deron Elias in Pennsylvania, as the native of Esmeraldas, Ecuador builds momentum towards the New Jersey Golden Gloves tournament, which begins on March 10 and runs until April 15.
Valencia will compete in the 165-pound division, the same division where he won the Diamond Gloves novice class title last year.
Head trainer Ryan Songalia has outlined an ambitious plan of competing at least 20 times in 2023, while traveling to some of the biggest national tournaments around the country.
“Jean Pierre is as hungry and tenacious as any amateur boxer in the country. The only reason he isn’t already considered the best is because the best haven’t fought him yet,” said Songalia.
Valencia is tentatively scheduled to fight again on February 255y in Boonton against reigning open class champion Isaiah Mack.
