Boxing News Boxing News
Newly minted Interim WBA Super Flyweight Champion Rafael Concepcion of Panama will battle Mexican fighter Jorge Arce on Monday, September 15 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Last night Damon de Berry of Optimum Sports Agency, who represents Rafael Concepcion, accepted the offer from international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz for the proposed bout.
“The September 15th date was chosen because it’s the eve of Mexico’s Independence Day and a major celebration,” explains de Berry. “The Concepcion vs. Arce clash will be a highlight to this year’s fiesta.”
Concepcion says, “This is a great opportunity to beat a great fighter like Arce and I’ll be in a better position among the best ranked 115 pounders in the world. Tomorrow I’ll be back in the gym preparing for the fight”
Concepcion, 11-2-1, is coming off a tremendous victory when he overpowered AJ Banal in Cebu, Philippines on July 26 to score a dramatic 10th round knockout and win the WBA Interim Super Flyweight crown.
Early in the fight, Banal was able to use his quick counter punching to take an early lead, yet as the fight progressed, Concepcion’s will and desire were the telling factors as he broke Banal down with vicious body shots and constant pressure, to which Banal had no answer.
Arce, 49-4-1, of Mexico, who last fought on May 17, scored a majority decision over Thai fighter Devid Lookmahanak in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The fight was competitive and Arce scored a flash knockdown in the 7th round. Yet despite this, the largely unknown Thai forced things to the final bell.
“This will be an explosive fight as long as it lasts.” says de Berry. “Arce is a come forward pressure fighter. Both fighters don’t give an inch and this fight will come down to who possesses the most determination and desire.”
”Rafael is very well prepared and high on confidence after his last win.” de Berry concludes. ”Arce is a very tough opponent to take on in our first defence but it shows the confidence we have in Rafael and the confidence he has in himself.”
