Rafael “el Torito” Concepcion approached the podium at the press conference for Pinoy Power 2 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and in broken English stated “No one knows who is Rafael “el Torito” Concepcion in Las Vegas but after August 15 everyone will know who I am”. This simple statement highlights the opportunity that Rafael Concepcion has before him, an opportunity to announce himself to the boxing world. Rafael Concepcion takes on the former IBF Flyweight Champion Nonito “ The Filipino Flash” Donaire in the Main Event of Top Ranks Pinoy Power 2 Promotion..
The former WBA Fedalatin Flyweight Champion who headed to Cebu in the Philippines on July 26th 2008 as a huge underdog to capture the WBA Interim Super Flyweight Title in spectacular fashion, by stopping the highly touted and undefeated AJ “Bazooka” Banal.
In Concepcion’s first defense of his newly won championship, he travelled to the infamous Arena Mexico in Mexico City on the Eve of Mexican Independence day to take on the 2 x World Champion Jorge “Travieso” Arce, in a fight that boxing experts said was one of the fights of the year, Arce and the altitude got the better of Concepcion that night as referee Steve Smoger stepped in after the 9th round to stop the bout, but not before Concepcion had Arce out on his feet on several occasions.
Rafael Concepcion has been handed an opportunity to regain his Championship when he meets Nonito Donaire on August 15, “This is my chance to show everyone who is Rafael “el Torito” Concepcion, I respect Nonito Donaire but I will be taking the belt back to Panama”.
Rafael had been in preparations to take on Drian Francisco on July 26th ,before the bout was postponed due to the H1N1 virus scare by the Philippine authorities.
“Rafael is in the midst of training and is in good shape already, we have very good sparring partners coming into camp who will be emulating Nonito. We are looking forward to this fight” says Rafael Concepcion’s Manager Damon de Berry of Optimum Sports Agency.
Rafael Concepcion is training for this bout in Panama under the watchful eye of trainer Rigoberto Garibaldi and is confident that he can once again upset the odds makers. Las Vegas is the right city to do it in also.
Hot Prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy added to “Braggin’ Rights” Card
July 17th show at Twin River Event Center, RI
PROVIDENCE (July 6, 2009) – Unbeaten junior welterweight prospect “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy has been added to the July 17th “Braggin’ Rights” Pro-Am boxing card, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln.
Philadelphia native Lundy (13-0-1) will be fighting in Rhode Island for the fourth time as a professional. He was rated No. 5 in the world as an amateur before turning pro, capturing several regional titles, as well as winning a silver medal at the 2005 National Golden Gloves Tournament. The electrifying, young fighter knocked out previously unbeaten Jason Cintron (10-0) on the road in April. “Hammerin’” Hank has also knocked off 7-0 Esteban Almarez by 4-round decision and fought 8-0 Darnell Jiles, Jr. to a 4-round draw in an exciting bout broadcasted on national television.
Lundy faces another former amateur star, Providence’s upset-minded Josh “Bam Bam” Beeman (4-3-3, 2 KOs), in the 6-round co-main event. Lundy-Beeman replaces the scheduled cruiserweight match between Rich Gingras and Tim Flamos that was canceled due to the former being ill and hospitalized.
“Hank is one of the most exciting young fighters in the country,” CES president Jimmy Burchfield said. “Fans really love watching him fight because he gives them what they want – thrilling action for every second of each round – and that’s why he’s quickly becoming an adopted son in Rhode Island. This kid will fight anybody, anywhere, and he’s been very successful doing just that. Josh was a tremendous amateur, too. His pro career has been filled with unfulfilled potential, which can become closer to reality with an upset of Lundy. Beeman’s well skilled and aiming to prove that he can be every bit as good as a pro as he was an amateur.”
The other co-main event is a 6-round rematch of interstate Milltown rivals, EBA New England lightweight champion Eddie “The Puerto Rican Sensation” Soto (11-0, 4 KOs), of Pawtucket (RI), and challenger Sean Eklund (6-4, 1 KO), who is trained by his uncle, “Irish” Micky Ward.
CES’ latest signee, super middleweight Vladine Biosse (1-0, 1 KO), who played football at the University of Rhode Island and Dean College, has moved from the gridiron into the ring. He makes his CES debut in a 4-round fight against an opponent to be determined.
Also on the July 17 card are a pair of unbeaten local favorites, cruiserweight Jay Holland (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Billy Greenwalt, and exciting light welterweight Diego Pereira (3-0, 2 KOs), in 4-round bouts.
Five amateur bouts are scheduled, featuring Tommy Duquette (Boston Boxing) vs. Steve Hollden (Balletto), 141 lbs.; Anthony Marsella (Tillinghast) vs. Christobal Marrero (Tomasello), 125 lbs.; Nick DeLomba (Balletto) vs. Jimmy Smith (Portland), 152 lbs.; Mario Morales (Uptown Boxing) vs. Thomas Falowo (Manfredo’s), 178 lbs.; George Yawo (Manfredo’s) vs. Adam Medeiros (TNT Kickboxing), 152 lbs.; Leonedra Lee (Clampitt) vs. Stephanie Steeves (Winsor), 132 lbs.
All pro and amateur bouts and boxers are subject to change.
Rollback ticket prices for “Braggin’ Rights” are $25.00 SRO, $35.00, $65.00 ($10.00 redeemable free play at Twin River) and $100.00 ($25.00 redeemable free play at Twin River) and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Braggin’ Rights.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
Featherweight Rolanda Andrews: Back in the Mix & Hungry for a Title
By David Pambianchi – (JULY 7) Not ready to put her gloves away, Rolanda Andrews signed on with notable women’s manager David Selwyn. She comments, “Unfortunately, I never had a promoter or manager backing me and also never had any amateur fights. I had to learn the hard way.” With two solid wins last year and a past performance that shows she can step up (with a 2nd round knock out against high profile champ Mia St. John in 2001, who was undefeated at 22-0 and stopped only one other time in 57 fights), Rolanda’s on the hunt for a title belt.
This Atlanta, Georgia based girl works and plays hard. As well as box, Rolanda currently plays soccer, and besides her employment as a Real Estate and Mortgage Consultant, she works as an Insurance Agent specializing in Mortgage Protection, Life Insurance and Annuities. As she puts it, “I really enjoy helping people to structure and protect their investment and retirement goals.”
With new fight management and a fresh flood of determination from Rolanda’s corner, keep an eye out for a change in her 8-7 record. There’s action coming this way.
Rolanda’s looking for an opponent and would like to fight Aug. 22, in her hometown Atlanta.