Boxing Info: Rafael Concepcion Intensifies Training In New York For WBA Title Shot

Rafael "El Torito" Concepcion has arrived in New York from Panama to intensify his training for the WBA Super Flyweight fight against AJ "Bazooka" Banal.

"Rafael is looking strong," says Damon de Berry from Optimum Sports Agency. "He arrived in New York last week and he is looking forward to stepping up his training."

Rafael Concepcion is now preparing in Brooklyn at the world famous Gleasonʼs Gym with fellow Panamanians and renowned trainers Pedro Romero and Hector Roca, who has trained no less than 18 world champions and Hillary Swank for her Oscar winning role in the film "Million Dollar Baby".

"We relish this opportunity for Rafael," says Romero. "We believe Panama will have their 26th world champion."

The fight will take place on July 26, 2008 in Cebu City, Philippines and itʼs going to be explosive. In his last fight on March 27, Concepcion scored a third round TKO over Jean Piero Perez. He has power in both hands with a record of 10-2-1 with 6 knockouts and is rated No. 6 by the WBA while Banal is ranked No. 3.

"Banal will have the home-crowd advantage over Concepcion, but this title shot is a dream come true for Concepcion and he wonʼt let it go to waste," said De Berry. "Concepcion has been waiting for this opportunity a long time and heʼs not taking any chances. Heʼs determined to come away with the win".

Rafael Concepcion is managed by Optimum Sports Agency, who are grateful to well-known matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz for setting up the fight.