Alfronso Gomez Geared Up For UK, Martin Concepcion: “I’m Ready To Go”

Alfonso Gomez heads across the Atlantic this month for the first time in his career, confident that he will be able to add a win to his record and showcase his skills in front of English boxing fans on March 30 in Newcastle.

Gomez (15-3-2), who gained recognition on the first season of the Contender TV series, will face Martin Concepcion (11-3-0), of Leicester, England, in an eight-round light-middleweight bout. Billed as the Contender UK versus USA, the event at the Metroradio Arena pits eight U.S. Contenders against UK fighters, with the winning team taking the first “Sugar Ray Leonard Cup.”

“This fight is a threshold event for Alfonso,” according to Gary Gittelsohn, who manages Gomez. “Since ESPN will give two hours of television coverage to the match-up, it’s a wonderful opportunity for him to broaden his already strong exposure.”

The episode will air on ESPN in April or May, with the exact date still to be announced.

Gomez flies to the UK March 17 for a final two weeks of training, so that he can adjust to the time difference and climate. He arrives in top condition, having spent several months training at La Habra Boxing Club in Los Angeles. A natural welterweight, Gomez has agreed to move up to 152 pounds for this bout.

Seven months after his win against Carson Jones, he is eager to get back in the ring.

“I’m already in shape and on weight one month before the fight,” says an energized Gomez. “I’m ready to go full throttle on this guy. I wish the fight was today.”

The bout marks the first time the Mexican native and California resident has fought this far from his home base, and he looks forward to being in front of a fresh audience.

“I get a lot of emails from the UK, and the Contender fan base may be bigger over there than it is in the States.” Gomez says. “Even though I will be in my opponent’s backyard, I may have more support from the crowd than he will.”

Although Gomez has respect for Concepcion, he feels confident and more than ready to meet the challenge.

“He looks tough, with a style similar to Ricky Hatton, lots of pressure and lots of punches,” says Gomez. “I consider myself a good fighter on the inside as well as a good counter-puncher, so I’ll be able to use whichever is more effective.”

He also thinks he may be able to exploit some of the weaknesses of Concepcion, who is coming off three losses, including two second-round knockouts.

“His chin may not be hard, and I’m considered to have a hard chin,” Gomez says. “I would love to go in there and take him out in two rounds. But I have to be careful with this guy, because he will want to get back on a winning streak and I’m sure he will be very well prepared for the fight.”

Adds Gittelsohn, “Alfonso’s fan-friendly, forward attacking style will be on display against a well-regarded British middleweight in his own backyard. This fight has all the earmarks of a Gatti-Ward-type match-up and boxing fans won’t want to miss this one!”

For more information, visit www.alfonsosgomez.com.