MANILA, Philippines - Hangad ni Bernabe “The Real Deal” Concepcion ang kanyang kauna-unahang world boxing title, habang asam naman ni world flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. na makalapit sa ikalawa niyang world boxing crown.
Hahamunin ni Concepcion si American Steven Luevano para sa hawak nitong World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight belt sa “Pinoy Power 2” sa Hard Rock Cafe and Casino sa Las Vegas, Nevada.
Itatampok rin sa naturang boxing card ng Top Rank Promotions ni Bob Arum ang interim super flyweight fight nina Donaire at Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion ng Panama.
Dinadala ng 21-anyos na si Concepcion ang 29-1-1 win-loss-draw ring record kasama ang 16 KOs, habang tangan naman ng 28-anyos na si Luevano ang 36-1-1 (15 KOs) slate.
“Ito na ‘yung pinakahihintay kong mangyari sa boxing career ko, kaya talagang hindi ko na ito pakakawalan,” wika ni Concepcion ng Virac, Catanduanes.
Ito naman ang pang limang sunod na pagdedepensa ni Luevano sa kanyang WBO featherweight crown matapos biguin si Billy Dib via unanimous decision noong Oktubre 18, 2008.
Ang mananalo naman sa pagitan nina Donaire (21-1-0, 14 KOs) at Concepcion (13-3-1, 8 KOs) ang inaasahang hahamon para sa lehitimong World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight belt ni Vic Darchinyan.
Ang 33-anyos na si Darchinyan ang inagawan ng 26-anyos na si Donaire ng International Boxing Federation (IBF) at International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight titles via fifth-round TKO noong Hulyo ng 2007.
Ang naturang laban kay Concepcion, dati nang naghari sa WBA super flyweight division, ay inihahandog ni Donaire kay dating Pangulong Corazon C. Aquino.
“I’m giving respect and honor to the former president,” ani Donaire, ipinanganak sa Bohol at lumaki sa General Santos City bago nanirahan sa United States sa edad na 9-anyos.
“I’m not really into politics but I remember growing up that she was a big part of everyone’s lives in the Philippines. She made changes and tried to get the Philippines on track and better after (Ferdinand) Marcos. All of the Philippines is mourning her death and as a Filipino fighter and a Filipino I give respect to those who have done well and continue to do well for our country,” dagdag ni Donaire. (Russell Cadayona)