IF BERNABE CONCEPCION WAS TRY-ing to send a message by missing the press conference for his big world title fight in Las Vegas tomorrow, the promising 21-year-old got his signals mixed.
Sorry, said Steven Luevano, whose WBO featherweight crown Concepcion will try to wrest tomorrow, “but because he happens to be Filipino doesn’t mean he’s sure to win.”
The presscon was held a little after lunch two days ago.
Concepcion finally hit Las Vegas after midnight of that day.
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Reports yesterday said Concepcion was left in Los Angeles, while Michael Koncz, his chief companion, got stalled in Manila.
Of course, Concepcion did not mean to snub the affair.
But, by being tardy, Concepcion was inevitably perceived as being a little cocky.
That, you bet, was unbecoming of a very promising power puncher who has no less than Manny Pacquiao for business manager and the great Freddie Roach for trainer.
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In fact, Concepcion loves to say that, after opening doors for Pinoys in the United States, “Pacquiao made Filipino fighters very significant.”
Concepcion also need not be told that his popularity is being enhanced by his growing reputation as an heir apparent to Pacquiao.
Concepcion’s no-show at the press conference for Pinoy Power 2 at the flashy Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas was definitely a no-no for Pacquiao, who has been prompt in his boxing regimen.
It being the biggest fight of his career, it goes without saying that Concepcion should’ve pitched camp in Las Vegas at least a full week before the fight.
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Anyway, more than Nonito Donaire Jr., who goes for the interim WBA super flyweight title against Panama’s Rafael Concepcion in the companion mainer, Bernabe is proving to be the bigger draw.
No, not because Donaire’s quest for the WBA 115-pound crown has shaped up early into a budding mismatch.
Remember that Rafael Concepcion was the same brawler who sent the whole of boxing-hotbed Cebu to tears in July last year when he scored an upset knockout over AJ Banal, then also being touted as the next Pacquiao.
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OK, Donaire is definitely no Banal, who wilted irrevocably after taking Concepcion’s bombs to the body in the closing rounds.
But Donaire’s outing is not getting its deserved attention for the simple fact that Bernabe Concepcion’s fight has the makings of a classic quest, mainly for the expected degree of difficulty.
Let’s pray that it doesn’t turn into a picnic for Nonito and penitence for Bernabe.
A bang-bang win by both Nonito, who was diagnosed with asthma on Thursday, and Bernabe will make it a truly memorable season for all citizens of dear Cory country.
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(TIMELY TIPS: From artist Dennis Filart: “With her $20,000 feast in New York, GMA has shown the world that the Filipino is worth dining for!” From Vice Gov. Manny Pi?ol of North Cotabato: “The controversial fight between undefeated Lorenzo “Thunderbolt” Villanueva of the Braveheart Stable and Eric Macas of Lanao del Norte will be shown in Tomorrow’s Champions on Studio 23 of ABS-CBN from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. today.)
