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With just two weeks to go, Panamanian Rafael Concepcion is full of confidence for his first title defence against Jorge Arce in Mexico City on September 15.
The interim WBA Super Flyweight title fight takes place on the Eve of Mexico’s Independence Day and will be a major highlight of this year’s fiesta.
Concepcion has been training hard in Panama for the bout. Sparring partner Julio Camano, a 130 pound lightweight, has been brought in to toughen the preparations. Concepcion’s trainer, Henry Sune explains “Rafael is very strong and in peak physical condition. In training sessions I have his sparring partners emulate the style and work rate of Arce.”
Sune remarked that in Arce’s last bout against Devid Lookmahanak of Thailand “Arce lacked the old fire and fury.” In camp Concepcion, there’s belief that this may be the perfect time to fight the experienced Mexican showman.
Even so, this is a very tough first defence for Concepcion. Arce is an experienced fighter and he presents a very large challenge. Especially as the bout is in Arce’s back yard and this back yard sits at 7,300 feet (2240 meters) above sea level. Concepcion’s training has included extra measures to help him prepare for the altitude conditions.
Concepcion’s handlers at Optimum Sports Agency have confidence in him.”We believe Rafael will be too determined, confident and strong for Jorge Arce.” says his manager Damon de Berry.
On Monday, August 25, Rafael Concepcion took a short break from training to be honored by the President of the Republic of Panama, Martín Torrijos.
In a ceremony at the Presidential palace, he was formally presented with the interim WBA Super Flyweight belt. Also in attendance at the ceremony was Panamanian Olympian and men’s long jump gold medallist Irving Jahir Saladino Aranda.
Although this bout is on Arce’s turf, it will be a fiery affair. Neither fighter gives an inch.
