If a boxer leaves home to train abroad for a fight, rest assured he is a determined fighter. If a warrior leaves home to wage war in the opponent’s turf, expect a very dangerous combatant. World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 6 titlist Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion is both..
Exactly seven days ago, Concepcion arrived New York City, and immediately started a regimen of intense training under world-renowed trainers Hector Roca and Pedro Romero at New York’s largest boxing gym, the Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. Roca has trained at least 18 world champions, including Iran Barkley, Aruro Gatti, REgilio Tuur, and Buddy Mcgirt, and was famous for training Hillary Swank for her Oscar-winning role in the Clint Eastwood film Million Dollar Baby in 2004.
From the day he stepped into the arena of pro boxng at age 19, Concepcion was a force to recon with as he disposed fellow starter Carlos Murillo in the second round. He has faced hardy opponents such as Ricardo Molina and Javier Cordoba, dealing both their first career defeat.
Concepcion holds a very colorful fight history. Since his debut in 2002, he has dealt punishments to, as he receive his own share from, his adversaries. He faced head on the punishments handed him by such powerbrands as Alexander Murillo and Luis Quiel in 2003, and Ricardo Molina in 2004. He knocked Molina in round 2 and finished him off in the third. His rematch with Jean Piero Perez in March was a murderous deal that Concecion had to go through. Perez knocked him down twice in the 2nd round. He maintained control of his pain and eventually dropped Perez in round 3.
This bull of a warrior from Panama knows the pain and how to dealt it to his opponents. Much pain is the measure of his endurance and his spirit remains strong to give the final blow to drop his adversaries to the mat for good. And this warrior is not the kind to leave the Philippines without the champion’s belt.
“Rafael will surprise a lot of people on the 26th (July). We are going into their country and fight their champion. But we are going away with the win,” his manager at Optimum Sports Agency, Damon de Berry, was quoted by Fightbeat.com.
Concepcion fights WBA No. 3 AJ “Bazooka” Banal in a much anticipated rivalry for the WBA Super Flyweight crown in an explosive promotion dubbed “Laban na Banal” at the New Cebu Coliseum on July 26 organized by ALA Promotions in partnership with ABS CBN Sports and Golden Boy Promotions.
Initial ticket outlets include Marfori Bakery at Ibabao, Mandaue (near New Mandaue Colesium), Islands Souvenirs and Bisaya boutiques at SM City Cebu, Islands Souvenirs and Bisaya boutiques at Ayala Center Cebu, USA Sports at Metro Ayala Department Store, ALA Gym at Banilad Town Center, and Pandelicious at F Llamas St in Punta Princesa, Labangon. For ticket reservations, please call 346-3489 or visit the Secretariat Office at 2/F Bldg A, ALAGC Compound, Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu. Direct sellers are advised to call Ms. Jeana Alvarez at 0928-505-7980.