Saturday, 01 August 2026 · Philippines
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TEAM CONCEPCION WISHES BANAL ALL THE BEST

In another clear demonstration of the class they showed in the recent WBA super flyweight interim championship at the Cebu Coliseum, the CEO of Optimum Sports Agency which handles Rafael ?El Torito? Concepcion who scored a stunning tenth round knockout over AJ ?Bazooka? Banal wishes the 19 year old Filipino all the best.

In an email to www.insidesports.ph as well as Viva Sports and Manila Standard Today, Damon De Berry said ?our thoughts are with AJ and I hope everything is okay with his tests and he comes back stronger than ever.?

De Berry conceded that even he had Banal ?slightly ahead at the time of the stoppage? which was also reflective of the scorecards of all three judges.

De Berry said it was a very exciting fight and while he didn?t wish ?to take anything away from AJ Banal? he believes Concepcion ?wanted it more.?

He said he would fly to Panama this weekend with Concepcion and will hold a press conference on arrival. De Berry it was a pleasure to visit Cebu. He said Team Concepcion had "a wonderful time and were treated very well by all."

De Berry also revealed that he would keep us updated on Concepcion?s preparations for his next fight which ?looks likely to be an optional defense before the 15th of September? when the No. 1 and 2 ranked Japanese Nobou Nashiro and Kohei Kono clash for the regular WBA super flyweight title with the winner mandated to defend the title against Concepcion.

Top photo: Team Concepcion celebrates atop the ring during Rafael Concepcion's victory over AJ Banal last Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City.

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