Irvington Boxer Scores Big Knockout At Prudential Center In Newark

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Fighting at the Prudential Center in Newark has long been a professional goal for Jean Pierre Valencia, a 24-year-old boxer from Irvington. Now – after having seen other local pugilists such as Shakur Stevenson realize their dream on the big stage – Valencia has marked his own milestone moment at The Rock: the second knockout of his pro career.

Valencia (2-0) emerged victorious over Cody Jenkins in their bout on Saturday, scoring a first-round knockout at the 1:49 mark.

Last weekend’s fight at the Prudential Center was a homecoming of sorts for Valencia, who lives just 15 minutes from the arena.

“I dedicate this victory to my family, coaches and all the people who have come to support me and have put in the effort to make this possible,” Valencia said.

The up-and-coming slugger, who competes in the 154-pound division, made a splash in his pro debut in June, knocking out Patrick Bernard Harris in the first round in Atlantic City.

Valencia’s head trainer/co-manager Ryan Songalia said the plan is to get Valencia at least one more fight before the end of the year.

“I’m very pleased with Jean Pierre’s progress so far,” Songalia said. “We were hoping to get more rounds out of Jenkins, but with the punching power Jean Pierre possesses, we will often have to settle for blowout victories.”

“Everyone loves a puncher, and Jean Pierre brings lots of excitement,” said Songalia, who co-manages Valencia with Chris Murphy.

Valencia, who was born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador and raised in Barcelona, Spain, came to America two years ago to pursue his boxing dreams. He tore through the amateur boxing scene, earning a bronze medal at the 2023 National Golden Gloves, in addition to winning a New Jersey Golden Gloves title, two New Jersey Diamond Gloves titles, and the New York Boxing Tournament title. He was also rated no. 1 in the United States by Boxrec in his weight category.

“Jean Pierre is the best kept secret in New Jersey boxing, but the secret will be out once he gets seen by a bigger audience,” Songalia added. “I have no doubt that he will be a world champion.”

• See Related: Irvington Boxer Wins NJ Golden Gloves Title, Slugs Way To Championship

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