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Martin Concepcion wants to avenge the ‘worst moment of his career’ by knocking out Bradley Pryce in the Prizefighter Light-Middleweight final.
Concepcion and Pryce are two of the eight contenders in Barry Hearn’s next Prizefighter, at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on February 26.
The pair have history as Pryce stopped Concepcion in the third round of their clash for the Commonwealth Championship in October 2007.
But Concepcion, who defeated Kevin Hammond last week to claim the Midlands Area title and the last Prizefighter spot, is hungry for revenge.
“I’ve got a score to settle with Bradley Pryce and I want a rematch,” said 28-year-old Concepcion.
“Losing to him was the worst moment of my career without a doubt. It was a devastating loss but one I’m eager to fix.
“I’d just come off a massive win against Matthew Hall and the opportunity came up for the Commonwealth fight. I felt at the time that I was ready but looking back, I wasn’t.
“It would be nice to meet him in the final and I definitely owe him one.
“Matthew Hall (who later beat Pryce) got to him and gave him no respect but I gave him respect. I didn’t expect to knock him out, although I have the ability to do so.”
Concepcion’s career started in explosive fashion with 11 wins, including eight victories coming inside the first three rounds.
However, his first professional loss, which came a day after a relative had died, saw a downturn in form with six defeats in eight contests over a four-year period.
But now Leicester-based Concepcion has rediscovered his love for the sport after contemplating hanging up his gloves.
“I’ve taken problems out of the ring into it,” admitted Concepcion. “In the early days I was beating a lot of people and knocking them out but then I got caught by a punch and didn’t want to know. I lost the will to fight and had gone a bit stale.
“I had lots of hurdles to overcome and was very close to losing interest in the boxing game but now the passion has been reignited.
“I have three kids and I want them to be proud of their dad. I’ve had to come back from setbacks but that shows a lot about someone’s character.
“I’ve been in there with a couple of the lads in Prizefighter and this is like I’m having another opportunity to get my career back on track.
“Everyone that has come out of Prizefighter has gone on to bigger and better things so this can reignite my career.
“Despite everything that’s happened in my career, if I could change anything, I wouldn’t as it has made me the fighter that I am and made me more determined and focused.
“It would now mean more to me to be where I want to be – British Champion, Commonwealth Champion and winning Prizefighter.”
Prizefighter tickets cost £30 and £50 and are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900. The event will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
