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Philippines, 27 Jan 2026 |
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RAFAEL CONCEPCION: "FAMILY IS MY BEST SUPPORT" By Anthony 'Duljoman' Andales PhilBoxing.com Tue, 11 Aug 2009  Folly Beach, SC -- Another weekend and another budlimes went down at the beach. And suddenly I was aching to call Damon DeBerry the very accommodating manager of Rafael Concepcion. While I was looking at the Atlantic Ocean (the Folly Beach), witnessing the big waves, the surfers and the “hhmmm passersby”, a question pops up. If Rafael sustained the very talented AJ Banal, can he take Nonito?... I must call Damon now. DeBerry admitted to Philboxing.com that in the first place they would not have accepted this fight if they thought they couldn't beat Donaire. Power, aggression, fans and family support will deliver him to victory this coming Saturday, said the likeable DeBerry. Rafael is stronger and spirit is very high. He sparred with top caliber sparmates from Olympic team and bigger local boxers in Panama. DeBerry said that Donaire is a very smart boxer and they can’t see too much flaws in his game. But they think Rafael is the stronger fighter. Through Rafael’s power, Donaire Junior will surrender and hopefully breaks down in later rounds because he’s not used to fights going to deeper waters. We’ll dig those ribs, and we’ll never back down from him. Power for power we’re very much ahead. So, we’ll just focus on our plans and options and hope we can deliver a very entertaining fight for the boxing fans. "We lost to Arce because we didn’t take into account the altitude condition. Rafael lost steam. But that’s ok, we learned a lot and hope we can bounce big time," added DeBerry. Damon DeBerry said that he’s happy that maybe Donaire is looking past on Rafael, it means his focus is not 100%. "I almost everyday visits Philboxing.com and I read the forums too. So I know what happened to Junior’s life. But for Rafael, family is his treasure, his championship belt, his dream is the family dream also, he will not ever let go of the pact and the promises." He fights for his family, his mom and dad are the most important persons in his boxing career (he really acknowledged the sacrifices they made when he was still struggling as a young fighter). His wife and son Allison are his inspirations for this fight. And the whole clan is cheering and praying for him. At least the Junior has his “new family” who “genuinely” root for him and who also struggled for his career to blossom this far. When I asked Damon what are the plans if they can pull an upset coming Saturday. The answer is we don’t look past the Junior. Damon also added that “we’re more concerned if the Dad is still the trainer”. "As for Filipino fans we didn’t forget how much caring, warm and accomodating the Filipinos are when we visited there for the AJ Banal’s fight. So, this fight is for Filipino fans also." With this conversation, it makes me more interested to watch the fight. Undeniably almost everybody says Concepcion has no chance to win this important fight. Donaire is top 10 pound for pound, lots at stake for him and not much for Rafael. Team Concepcion is very high in confidence to pull off a victory because they think they have the tools, they have the best training, they are more stronger fighter and bravest heart of the two. Then Nonito Junior needs to be careful. Rafael is trying to seek and destroy him coming Saturday, and hears that he is nursing an injury which need to be exploited. For me Rafael is hungrier and is not over exposing his camp. He kept his training secret, no circus going on and I sense danger and no non-sense opponent for the Junior. If Aling Dionesia is not praying for Manny to get those money (to win those fights), Manny’s chances are not that strong, you agree BobPac?. Family is your backbone, your strength. Just as Damon texted me awhile ago that family and friends are very important to Rafael, that is where he gets his strength. Duljoman says… I still believe in commandment Numero Cuatro, no matter what, which says "Honor your father and mother." And round Cuatro the good guy will be declared as the new interim champion. Kumbatea! Oh!Beertime… Glenn Donaire says he’s focusing on his return, he is running 6 miles everyday and hopefully can land a fight by September or October... Good time last Sunday on the radio show "Pinoy Boxing" heard all over the Philippines, thanks for having me as guest, I heard Duljo had zero crime when I called for 30 minutes… yohoo!!!... So James is not committing to sign with the Cavs, that makes Donnie Walsch happy? I bet Shaq will protect the King in Manhattan... I let my Italian friends read my articles/stories, and I invited them to go and watch boxing with me, for the past 2 weekends now, they don’t know who Manny Pacquiao is, all they know is soccer most of them don’t even know NBA number 1 pick Andrea Bargniani as I said, only soccer… But I have to greet them coz they just went with me to watch boxing… So hello to Boeing 787 structural experts Nicola Fiore, Antonio Dongiacomo, Luca Liscio, Ciro Barca and the lovely Vanessa LaFratta… also Pepe Leone and Salvatorre Caschella… Nutella! Click here to view a list of other articles written by Anthony 'Duljoman' Andales.  |
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