In a few days, featherweight hopeful Aaron Garcia will find himself in the biggest fight of his life when he goes up against Rizal, Philippines native Bernabe Concepcion on October 27th at the San Manuel Casino just outside of San Bernardino, California. Concepcion may have the greater notoriety because of connection to Manny Pacquiao?s MP Promotions and just last year he graced Showtime?s airwaves in a failed title attempt against then-WBO champion Juan Manuel Lopez, but it is Garcia who seems to be the one to watch in this particular case. Born and raised in San Diego, Garcia enjoyed much success as an amateur, capturing National Golden Gloves championships in 2001 and 2003, and much was expected of him upon his pro debut. And while he would reel off seven victories to kick off his professional journey, a surprising loss to Saul Ochoa in May of 2006 was so humbling to him that he distanced himself from the sport soon thereafter.
Garcia would fly under the radar for a bit and it wasn?t until he again crossed paths with good friend and trainer Vince Parra, known best for his work with lightweight contender Mercito Gesta, that he seemed to fully get his hunger back. The two seem to have great chemistry together and this year alone Garcia pulled of an upset of over Alejandro Lopez in February and two months later fought unbeaten Abraham Lopez to a nip and tuck points loss over eight rounds that many felt could have gone the other way.
