Can “El Torito” Outlast The Flash?
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 11 Aug 2009
Rafael Concepcion.
The name Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion left a bitter and lasting aftertaste in Cebu City after he stopped hometown favorite AJ Banal in the tenth round of their WBA interim superflyweight title fight at the Cebu Coliseum last July 2008. Banal was ahead in the early rounds but Concepcion wore him down halfway using a steady barrage of body punches.
Cebu boxing was still reeling from the losses of two blue chip prospects from the ALA gym in 2007: The controversial split decision loss of Z Gorres against WBO superflyweight champ Fernando Montiel at the Cebu Sports Center and Ray Bautista’s one round KO loss in his title shot against Daniel Ponce de Leon in California. Concepcion’s win added vinegar and salt to a gaping wound.
Two months later, Concepcion was stopped in the ninth round by Mexico’s Jorge Arce in a brutal contest. He has won twice since then against Emerson Nisperusa (KO 2) and Kermin Guardia (UD 8).
Every promoter and manager in the Philippines wanted Concepcion back. Rising star Drian Francisco was supposed to fight him last July in a fight billed as “Banal na Paghihiganti” (“Holy Revenge”) at the Cuneta Astrodome. But it was not meant to be. The fight was postponed and eventually cancelled.
Now, it will be the Filipino Flash, Nonito Donaire, who will get a crack at the Panamanian. Donaire is the obvious favorite in this fight. He is now among the top ten pound per pound best boxers in the world. His power comes from an excellent balance that allows him to throw a powerful left hook after doing a subtle step back. He throws crisp combinations off the jab and has shown the ability to switch from orthodox to southpaw. His mobility makes him avoid taking unnecessary punishment.
El Torito (the little bull) has attrition and punishment on his mind going into this fight. He will obviously try to take away Donaire’s skill advantages and make this into a street brawl. He will relish being in the underdog’s role once again. He has vowed that after this fight “everyone will know who he is.” He turned pro in 2002 and has a record of 13 wins, 8 by knockout, 3 losses and one draw. Before the Banal fight, he won WBA Fedelatin and WBC Fecarbox belts.
The fight card is billed as Pinoy Power II and will also feature two other Filipino boxers: jr. welterweight Mark Jason Melligen will take on Mexico’s Michel Rosales in a ten round bout while Bernabe Concepcion will have his much awaited title shot against WBO featherweight champ Steven Luevano of the U.S.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
HALL OF FAMER MANNY PACQUIAO SET TO CHASE HISTORY YET AGAIN THIS SATURDAY NIGHT IN WORLD TITLE FIGHT AGAINST MARIO BARRIOS
Wed, 16 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: New York, a Special Place for Boxing
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 16 Jul 2025Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua talking for a possible fight?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 16 Jul 2025Philippines Rolls Past Pacific Oceania in Davis Cup Group IV Opener as Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors Set the Pace
Wed, 16 Jul 2025QUOTES FROM TONY HARRISON’S OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT TODAY IN DETROIT
Wed, 16 Jul 20253-Time World Champion Miyo Yoshida is tired of playing Boxing’s dreaded waiting game
Wed, 16 Jul 2025RP Blu Girls Dominate India to Strengthen Asia Cup Campaign
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 16 Jul 2025Pacquiao-Barrios Betting Odds in Las Vegas: Where Are Bettors Placing Their Money?
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 16 Jul 2025Because Comebacks Matter: Pacquiao Fights for Us All
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Wed, 16 Jul 2025FILIPINO OLYMPIAN EUMIR MARCIAL, HARD-HITTING CONTENDER OMAR SALCIDO & MORE ROUND OUT LOADED EVENT THIS SATURDAY, JULY 19 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
Wed, 16 Jul 2025Dumam-ag fights in Japan on July 20
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 16 Jul 2025UNDEFEATED KO ARTISTS COLLIDE! ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI SET TO FACE ALBEIRO PAREDES
Wed, 16 Jul 2025Arca to compete in 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships 2025 in Zhuhai, China
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 16 Jul 2025Sampson Boxing Announces Signing of Super Lightweight Prospect Jorge De Jesus to Promotional Contract
Wed, 16 Jul 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 14 JULY 2025: Katie Taylor Makes 3-0 Over Amanda Serrano; Baumgardner Defeats Miranda; Stevenson Outclasses Zepeda; Sheeraz Stops Berlanga
By Eric Armit, Tue, 15 Jul 2025