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.
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