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BERNABE CONCEPCION: A HUNGRY FIGHTER THAT’S READY FOR A WORLD TITLE By Dr. Allan Recto PhilBoxing.com Thu, 13 Aug 2009  Laredo, Texas (August 12, 2009) – Come Saturday night, August 15, at the New Joint of The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, young Filipino 21 year old fiery prospect Bernabe Concepcion (29-1-1/ 16 KO) of Catanduanes, Philippines challenges current World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight Champion Steven Luevano (36-1-1/ 15 KO) from La Puente, California. Although pitted to a more experienced boxer who is 7 years his senior and had successfully defended his title 4 times, Bernabe “Abe” Concepcion remains undaunted and unafraid. Concepcion has been focused in training camp, diligently doing his homework and being schooled at the famed Wild Card Gym under the guidance of Hall of Famer and BWAA’s Three time Trainer of the Year – celebrated Coach Freddie Roach. 
Bernabe Concepcion (L) doing punch mitts with world renowned trainer Coach Freddie Roach (R) at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. (File photo by Reiver Rodriguez) “I have been training hard for the past 8 weeks. I’ve had good sparring sessions with another Filipino boxer A J Banal, 2 Mexicans and others, accumulating more than 70 plus rounds. I jog in the morning and proceed to the Wild Card Gym to workout in the afternoon,“ stated Concepcion to this boxing writer upon calling him up at the Palazzo Apartment of current pound per pound king Manny Pacquiao in Los Angeles today. Inquiring why he was a “no show” at the press conference in Las Vegas today, Concepcion said, “I was waiting for Mike Koncz who was arriving from the Philippines. We were going to go to Las Vegas yesterday with my Team but he got delayed. He was taking care of some important matters for Manny Pacquiao. We want to be complete as a Team before we reach Las Vegas. My Filipino manager Aljoe Jaro took a direct flight from Manila to Las Vegas and arrived last night. He was present at the press conference. I really apologize to the boxing fans and media who were expecting me there today.” “I worked out lightly to keep my weight steady so I won’t have problems making weight this Friday. But tomorrow, for sure, I will be present at the media work out at the Top Rank Gym,” Concepcion added. Thursday, August 13 at 1 pm, Bernabe Concepcion will be at the Top Rank Gym, 3041 Business Lane, Las Vegas, Nevada, for a media workout followed by an interview session. World Champ Steven Luevano starts at 12 noon. This Boxing Event promoted by Top Rank billed “Pinoy Power 2” features former (IBF) International Boxing Federation/ (IBO) International Boxing Organization flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (21-1/ 14 KO) against top-rated contender from Panama, Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion (13-3-1/ 8 KO), for the vacant (WBA) World Boxing Association interim super flyweight title. Another Filipino boxer in the welterweight division from Bacolod City, Philippines, Mark Jason Melligen (15-1/ 11 KO) will see action in a 10- round battle against veteran fighter Ernesto Zepeda (39-12-4/ 34 KO) from Tijuana, Mexico, who was a last minute replacement. Jovy Halog, a Team Concepcion insider, said he was very satisfied with Bernabe’s preparations and performance during training. Concepcion has done what needed to be done while keeping fit and working out. He ran at the nearby La Brea Park early this morning. Today, in the afternoon, Bernabe Concepcion did punch mitts, shadow boxing and light exercises. “He feel very confident and his weight is no longer an issue. Featherweight is his best fighting weight at this time,” declared Halog, a former (WBC) World Boxing Council International Super Bantamweight Champion in the late ‘90s.  Bernabe Concepcion (R) doing sit ups assisted by teammate Jovy Halog (R). (File photo by Reiver Rodriguez) “Magandang laban eto, Doc…ito ang pinakahihintay ni Abe…minsan lang dumarating ang opportunidad na ganito sa buhay ng isang boksingero…na makalaban nang World Championship title fight…kaya sabi ko sa kanya (Abe)…kunin niya ‘tong pagkakataon at ‘wag niya pakawalan!” (translation – This will be a great fight, Doc…this is what abe has been waiting for…this opportunity seldom occurs in a boxer’s life…to fight for a World title…that’s why I told him (Abe)…seize this one and don’t let this moment slip by!) During an earlier phone conversation, Bernabe Concepcion acknowledged, “I am a hungry fighter and very well motivated. This has been my long time dream – to become a world champion someday. No offense meant nor disrespect to the Champion Steven Luevano but he has the world title I have been waiting for. I’ve seen his fights, we’ve studied his style, we know his strengths and seen his weaknesses. No doubt about it, he is an excellent boxer and may have the heart of a true champion. But I trust myself, my Team especially my trainer Freddie Roach. I know what I am capable of doing. I hope and pray this Saturday, I come out victorious.” Concepcion vowed to do his best for everybody. He dedicates this fight to his family and friends in Catanduanes…and to all the hard-working Filipinos all over the world. “I hope he (Luevano) will go toe-to-toe with me so our fight will be a memorable, exciting one that boxing fans will truly enjoy!” he finally added. According to Aljoe Jaro, Luevano stated at the presscon today, “This is what I do best…box…this Saturday, I’ll bring victory!” Top Rank President Todd DuBoef announced today that “Pinoy Power 2” could be a sell out. Remaining tickets are priced at $200, $100, and $ 50, which can be purchased at www.hardrockhotel.com or www.ticketmaster.com. This event will be produced and distributed by Top Rank, Live on Pay-Per-View, this Saturday, August 15, beginning at 9 pm ET/ 6 pm PT, with a suggested retail price of $ 34.95, available in high definition for viewers with HDTV. In the Philippine time, it is scheduled to be shown via Solar Sports in August 16 (Sunday) at 10 am. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dr. Allan Recto.  |
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