PANAMANIAN warrior Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion (10-2-1, 6 KOs) is all geared up to clash with hometown hero AJ “Bazooka” Banal (17-0-1, 14 KOs) for the World Boxing Association interim super flyweight crown tonight at the Cebu Coliseum.
“I’m ready. I can fight right now,” a confident Concepcion said during the weigh-in yesterday at SM City Cebu.
The 26-year old fighter, who left his wife and newly born child for a once in a lifetime opportunity of a world title shot, got into a scare as he was a pound over the weight limit of 115.
On the other hand, Banal easily made weight in his first try.
After going over the limit, Concepcion ran around.
Concepcion ran around the premises for almost two hours in his sweat suit to shave off the unwanted weight.
With sweat trickling down all over his body, he then stepped on the weighing scale and successfully made the weight in his second try equaling Banal’s.
Concepcion is confident that he will defeat the Banal, who grew up in Ermita just near tonight’s venue and bring glory to his country.
“Whatever comes,” Concepcion told the hefty crowd of boxing fanatics and onlookers after he was asked by respected boxing writer Ronnie Nathanielsz if he would knock his highly-favored opponent down.
Also seeing action today is ALA Gym’s talented young pugilist Milan “Milenyo” Melindo (15-0, 4 KOs) who will be standing toe-to-toe against another Panamanian Carlos “Shanghai” Melo (18-6, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental light flyweight title.
Melo was also a bit over the weight limit yesterday with 108 ¾ lbs, while Milendo tipped off the scales just right at 108 pounds.
Run
Melo also got rid of the excess weight by running under the sun outside the mall and was finally successful in his third try at
the scale.
A third title bout to be fought today will be for the vacant World Boxing Organization Oriental bantamweight crown between veteran boxer Michael Domingo (36-15-2, 16 KOs) and Indonesian Boxing Association’s no.2 ranked Rivo Ringkung (27-6-5, 10 KOs).
Meanwhile, there will be a special attraction 6-rounder bout between ALA Gym’s James Bacon (4-1, 3 KOs) and Indonesian Skak Max (0-1) and a special bout featuring female fighters Brenda Shaylor of the US and Reynalyn Consejo Jacob of Bacolod.
The fan-favorite Jun “Flash Mongo” Intor (7-3-5, 3 KOs) will show off his crazy antics against Roldan Malinao (3-14, 2 KOs) in an exciting 6-rounder, Robert Allanic (17-4, 9 KOs) of ALA Gym will be trading leathers with Leonardo Donorio (3-0-2, 2 KOs) and Hilario Canillas (2-0, 1 KO) of Toledo City will battle Ramil Cabalan (0-1) of Butuan City. (EKA)
