ROACH SAYS CONCEPCION NOT YET READY FOR WORLD TITLE FIGHT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 19 Jul 2008
North American Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion Bernabe Concepcion?s trainer, Freddie Roach, is convinced that the 20 year old Filipino is not yet ready for a world title fight especially against a champion like Juan Manuel Lopez.
In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports ?Main Event? boxing panelists Dennis Principe and this writer on dzSR Sports Radio, Roach said Lopez who hammered menacing Daniel Ponce De Leon into submission in the very first round of their WBO title ?has a knockout punch and is a little bit dangerous right now.?
The celebrated trainer said ?I think Concepcion needs a little more experience to fight Lopez. Maybe sometime early next year.?
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said Concepcion was ?coming into prominence and Manny Pacquiao will be at ringside cheering on his coutryman and as a matter of fact he manages Concepcion.?
Concepcion faces the taller Adam Carrera on the undercard of the eagerly awaited blockbuster showdown between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito at the MGM Grand on July 26.
Respected WBC ring physician Dr. Allan Recto told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that he had spoken to Concepcion the other day and the undefeated young Filipino who is training at the Wild Card Gym said ?everything is going well? in his preparations for the clash with the taller Carrera who has a record of 19-3 with 8 knockouts compared to Concepcion?s record of 25-1-1 with 14 knockouts.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
Tue, 06 May 2025Monster Dynamite: Inoue Crushes Cardenas in Eight
Mon, 05 May 2025"THE MONSTER" SURVIVES EARLY SCARE, DESTROYS CARDENAS IN THRILLING WAR TO RETAIN UNDISPUTED CROWN
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 05 May 2025Dana White to Promote Canelo vs. Crawford: UFC Boss Set to Elevate Superfight to Historic Levels
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 05 May 2025Bata Reyes impressed with upcoming young players during exhibition in Libis
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 05 May 2025Canelo Wins the 'Xicoténcatl' Belt and is Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion Once Again
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 04 May 2025Florentino Inumerable rules 2025 Illinois Senior State Chess Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 04 May 2025Canelo Grinds Out Uninspiring Win Over Elusive William Scull in Saudi Arabia; Canelo-Crawford Up Next
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 04 May 2025Badou Jack Edges Norair Mikaelian in Grueling Cruiserweight Battle on Canelo-Scull Undercard
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 04 May 2025