Amateur standout Jean Pierre Valencia scores first round KO in pro debut
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 10 Jun 2024
ATLANTIC CITY — Amateur standout Jean Pierre Valencia had an explosive showing in his professional boxing debut, knocking out Patrick Bernard Harris in the first round on Saturday, June 8 at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, N.J.
The two-fisted puncher Valencia, 24, of Irvington, N.J. wasted little time getting to know his opponent, knocking him down with a flurry of hooks and right hands a minute into the four-round junior middleweight bout. Harris, 26, of Cooperas Cove, Tex., rose back to his feet but was met by a nonstop barrage of punches from Valencia and was sent down a second time, prompting referee Sparkle Lee to bring a halt to the bout at the 2:04 mark.
“I felt incredible in the ring, it was just as I expected,” said Valencia, who was born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador and raised in Barcelona, Spain.
“When I felt those tiny gloves, I was surprised by the difference. I have to trust in myself and the power that I have inside. This was one of the best moments of my life, and I want to thank God, my managers and family for always giving me their full support.”
Harris (1-5, 1 knockout) was a risky opponent for Valencia to face in his first fight, having just scored a knockout win the previous month. Harris had lost just once previously by knockout, dropping unbeaten prospect Juan Sanchez Labana in the first round of their 2022 fight before losing by third round stoppage.
Valencia vs. Harris was part of a show that was promoted by Main Events and was headlined by the WBA middleweight gold title fight between Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna and Juan Carlos Abreu. LaManna knocked Abreu out in the third round to win the vacant title.
The win comes two days shy of his second anniversary in the country, and Valencia has accomplished a great deal in the sport during that time. He won every state tournament he signed up for at 165 pounds, winning two N.J. Diamond Gloves titles, one N.J. Golden Gloves title, the New York Boxing Tournament and earning a bronze medal at the 2023 National Golden Gloves in Chester, Pa. Prior to turning pro, Valencia was the number one ranked 165-pound amateur boxer in the United States, according to Boxrec rankings.
“As extraordinary as his list of accomplishments have been in such a short time, I’m really not surprised. He works harder than just about anyone I’ve ever met, and his desire is unmatched. He absorbs new boxing training like a sponge and studies film of boxing legends in his spare time. He is driven to be a champion,” said head trainer Ryan Songalia, who trains Valencia alongside conditioning coach Aaron Watson and co-manages him with former pro boxer turned lawyer Chris Murphy.
The date for Valencia’s next fight is being worked on and will be announced in the coming weeks.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Navarrete, Suarez Make Weight for WBO Title Clash; Muratalla and Abdullaev Ready for Interim IBF Battle
Sat, 10 May 2025HIGHLY-TOUTED BANTAMWEIGHT ADAM MACA SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
Sat, 10 May 2025CAPITO CRASHES OUT IN TITLE DEFENCE AS YAPP ENDS UK OPEN REIGN | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Sat, 10 May 2025A TRIO OF MATCHUPS ADDED TO "CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING" PRESENTED BY 555 MEDIA AND BASH BOXING
Fri, 09 May 2025SHAW SURGES AS CAPITO STUMBLES IN TITLE DEFENCE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Fri, 09 May 20252025 USA Boxing Youth Men’s and Women’s High Performance Teams announced
Fri, 09 May 2025Jessie Villasin chess tournament on Sunday
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 09 May 2025Press Conference Notes: San Diego Favorite Emanuel Navarrete Set to Reignite Mexico-Philippines Rivalry against Charly Suarez
Fri, 09 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. LANI DANIELS SATURDAY, JULY 26 * LITTLE CAESARS ARENA
Fri, 09 May 2025Unbeaten Anthony Velazquez pitched shutout at home in Springfield
Fri, 09 May 2025TYSON FURY VOTED THE MOST ENTERTAINING BOXER IN THE WORLD, ACCORDING TO BRITISH FANS
Fri, 09 May 2025Undefeated super middleweight contender Darius Fulghum preparing to ‘Make a big splash’ vs. Bek Melikuziev
Fri, 09 May 2025OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 08 May 2025SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Thu, 08 May 2025WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
Thu, 08 May 2025