MANILA, Philippines - Former world title challenger Bernabe Concepcion believes he still got what it takes to be champ again as he bids to stage a ring comeback.
“I think I still have something to give. I’ve been trying to regain my form and make the most of this rare chance for a comeback,” said the 26-year-old Concepcion during the recent PSA Forum.
Promoter Elmer Anuran of Saved by the Bell promotions said he wouldn’t take the pride of Virac, Catanduanes under his wings if he doesn’t believe Concepcion no longer has what it takes to vie for another world title and become a champion.
“We would like to revive the promising career of Abe Concepcion. But we need to move down in weight. Previously, he fights at 126 (featherweight),
but now he’s campaigning at 122 (super- bantamweight). We see more chances at 122. Abe just needs more exposure and assistance,” said Anuran.
The fighter dubbed “The Real Deal” has a ring record of 32-6-2 including 18 KOs. His last four losses however, came as a featherweight including title fights against Steve Luevano (World Boxing Organization championship) and Juan Manuel Lopez (WBO).
He has since began campaigning as a super- bantamweight at the start of the year and was held to a technical draw by Eden Sonsona in their 10-round fight last July at the Mandaluyong gym.
But his showing against Sonsona convinced Gabriel that it’s not too late yet for Concepcion to realize his dream to become a world champion.
“We know Abe can still mount a comeback,” said manager Ryan Gabriel.
Anuran said he’s looking to arrange a January fight for the comebacking Filipino fighter, perhaps in Camarines Sur, where Concepcion has a lot of relatives.
“We’re planning to have him fight for a regional belt muna to get his confidence back,” said the young promoter from Agoncillo, Batangas.
Concepcion said he’ll try to repay the faith given him by his new promoter now that he’s campaigning in a weight where he admitted he’s very comfortable fighting.
“I think I’m comfortable fighting as a super- bantamweight,” he said.