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8CN Exclusive: Bernabe Concepcion

8CN: Hi Champ how are you after that bad night in Puerto Rico?

Bernabe: I?m fine Sir! That?s boxing, we win but we can also lose. You should not be a boxer if you?re afraid of losing. Besides, Hey, I did not lose to a tricycle driver cherry picked to fight me. I lost to a great champion in JuanMa Lopez. I don?t think my boxing career is doomed just because I lost that fight.

8CN: When are you going back to Manila?

Bernabe: I?ll arrive on Saturday morning July 17. I?ll see my family first. I missed them so much.

8CN: Any clue on your next fight?

Bernabe: I?ll be fighting one more time this year. That?s what my management told me. I am willing to fight anyone my promoter puts in front of me.

8CN: After that loss, are you planning to change your trainer?

Bernabe: I did not lose because of my trainer. I really made some mistakes. And I firmly believe God is telling me something and He wanted that to happen for me to learn some lessons. Buboy Fernandez is a good trainer. I don?t see any reasons or any need to replace him.

8CN: Can you tell us what really happened in the ring that night? Tell us about that punch which knocked down Lopez.

Bernabe: JuanMa was strong and fast. I get hurt every time he hits me. So far he is the strongest opponent I have ever faced. And he?s got long hands. I had trouble going inside. I know I was also strong. When I caught him with my left and knocked him down, I really thought I can end the night with a KO but time ran out and he was able to recover. I rushed at the start of the round thinking he was still groggy and I could finish him. But that was a wrong judgment.

8CN: A lot of people are confused about who manages you. Who is your real manager right now?

Bernabe: Aljoe Jaro is still my manager. But I am being co-managed by Manny Pacquiao?s MP Promotions as business manager and MP is represented by Michael Koncz.

8CN: Any message to your fans and supporters?

Bernabe: Thanks to all my fans, friends and my family who stood my me despite my loss. Thanks for making me feel your support despite what happened. I hope you guys stay with me. I promise to do better in my next fight.

8CN: Thanks Abe for your time. It was a pleasure talking with you.

Bernabe: Thanks as well Sir! God bless!

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