CONCEPCION BACK IN L.A. TO TRAIN AT WILD CARD GYM
By Dr. Allan Recto
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 14 Mar 2009
Laredo, Texas (3/12/2009) - Bernabe ?Abe? Concepcion arrived in Los Angeles, California around 7:48 PM Thursday (L.A. time) according to former WBC International Super bantamweight Champion Jovi Halog who, together with L.A. based Boxing Agent Mike Koncz, picked up the young Filipino boxing sensation at the Tom Bradley International (LAX) Airport.
On his way to the Palazzo Apartment Unit of Manny Pacquiao, this writer had a chance to talk (by phone) to Concepcion who was very thankful that he was upgraded to the Business Class for this trip. For this reason, he said he felt well rested. After exchanging pleasantries, Abe first mentioned, ?I would like to thank all those who continued to pray and support me including the people from my hometown - Catanduanes, Philippines.?
He stated, ?I would like to especially mention the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Asst. Secretary Cesar Sarmiento for his help...and I?m also very thankful to the President of the Philippines, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom I paid a courtesy call last week (March 5th)...at the Malacanang Palace.?
Concepcion further said, ?I have been training in the Philippines...doing some exercises, jogging in the morning and working out in the gym...but I have not been sparring yet.? Concepcion plans to immediately start light training tomorrow at the Wild Card Gym in L.A. (depending if he has jet lag or able to sleep well tonight). He certainly will train alongside Manny Pacquiao and Gerry Penalosa next week under the supervision of one of the best trainers in the world, Coach Freddie Roach. Trainer Alex Ariza, the strength & conditioning coach, have been assigned to take care of Concepcion as well.
In an optimistic sounding voice, he told this writer, ?I?m excited for this fight ... I have seen some videos of my opponent and have studied his style in YouTube ... I don?t want to make any predictions suffice to say that I will do my best in this fight ? because this is a great opportunity for me to win a world title ... I will make a lot of sacrifices and work really hard ... I want to make my countrymen happy esp. the people of Catanduanes, Philippines ... to be proud of me.?
Bernabe ?Abe? Concepcion (28-1-1) 16 KO?s will challenge the current WBO Featherweight Champion Steven Luevano (36-1-1) 15 KO?s from La Puente, California who defends his title for the 5th time on May 2, 2009. Luevano?s previous title defenses include 1 draw and 3 wins via 12th round Majority Decisions.
Their bout will be undercard to the highly anticipated showdown between current Pound per Pound best boxer in the world Manny ?Pac-Man? Pacquiao against undefeated at 140 lbs. IBO Jr. Welterweight Champion Ricky ?the Hitman? Hatton at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions to be shown LIVE on HBO PPV will promote this exciting match up.
Michael Koncz, the American based manager of Concepcion stated, ?I worked with Bernabe Concepcion for the past 2 1/2 years...I?ve seen him developed as a fighter...He has improved a lot...Now, he has a chance to fight for a world title and I am confident that he is ready to face this new challenge.?
In an overseas call to Concepcion?s Philippine based Manager Aljoe Jaro, he made the following comments, ?I?m glad he (Bernabe) arrived safely? I will be there in the U.S. on or before April 20th?This will be a difficult fight for Bernabe ? I think he has a pretty good chance as he punches well ?He needs to be the one to pressure the Champion, Luevano ?and if he finds an opening then, hopefully, take him out!?
Top photo: Bernabe ?Abe? Concepcion (R) with manager Aljoe Jaro at a press conference during his outing in Las Vegas, Nevada last July ?08 underneath Cotto-Margarito mega-fight (Photo by Dr. Allan Recto).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dr. Allan Recto.
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