LOSING is not an option when the come-backing Bernabe Concepcion goes up in the ring against Tanzanian Juma Fundi in their battle for the vacant World Boxing Organization Oriental superbantamweight title tomorrow at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
“Para sa akin huling hirit ko na ito. Do or die talaga ako sa laban na ito. Kaya naman buong puso kong pinaghandaan ang laban na ito,” said the two-time world title contender.
Concepcion showed yesterday his newly-polished skills during a public workout at the Elorde Gym at Starmall in Mandaluyong City. He later said he feels faster and stronger more than ever.
“Nakikita ko naman na mas komportable siya ngayon sa timbang niya. Mas mabilis at mas malakas siya sa mga kalaban niya compared dati na mas malalaki sa kanya,” said Concepcion’s manager Ryan Gabriel.
Gabriel’s Arci is also co-promoting the 11-fight card dubbed “Mandirigmang Pinoy,” with Saved by the Bell Promotion.
“I still have faith in Abe. He is now a more matured boxer. ‘Yung development niya as a boxer went with his age. Parang ito na ‘yung peak niya,” added Gabriel on the reason why he is betting his cards on the 27-year-old Concepcion.
Gabriel took over the boxing career of Concepcion since last year and has slowly put back the former world-rated fighter into his old form that had made him one of the top Filipino contenders.
If he wins the crown, Concepcion needs to defend it successfully so that Gabriel can arrange another shot for his boxer at a world title.
Concepcion, who owns a ring record of 33 wins (19 by KOs), 6 losses and 2 draws, aimed for the WBO featherweight title twice, but failed on both occasions, losing to Steve Luano in 2009 and Juan Manuel Lopez in 2010.
This time, he will be fighting in the lighter superbantamweight division. Concepcion last climbed the ring in January against Indonesian Rasmanudin, who he stopped in the second round.
Concepcion said he doesn’t know much about Fundi (27-12-3), but he’s ready to figure him out in the earlier rounds then go for the finish when he sees an opening.
“Boxing po kasi ito kaya isang kurap lang baka may mangyari,” Concecpion said.