Formers world champions Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire were at Top Ranks “Pinoy Power 2” press conference at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Donaire has vacated his title to challenge former world champion Concepcion for the World Boxing Association interim super flyweight championship. A native of General Santos City, Philippines, who now lives in San Leandro, Calif., Donaire (21-1, 14 KOs), captured his world title the old-fashioned way – he earned It – by knocking out undefeated defending champion Vic Darchinyan in 2007. It remains the only defeat for Darchinyan, who now campaigns as the World Super Flyweight Champion. The vintage punch, a left hook to Darchinyan’s jaw, was named “Pinoy Noir” by Donaire, for its “silky smooth delivery and long and powerful finish.” After successfully defending his title three times – all by knockout — Donaire concluded it was time to move up in search of new worlds to conquer. He enters this fight riding an eight-year, 20-bout winning streak, and has not gone the distance since 2006.
Concepcion (13-3-1, 8 KOs), from Panama City, Panama, will be making his Las Vegas debut when he tries to reclaim the title he previously held. He enters this fight having won 10 or his past 11 fights, including the WBA interim super flyweight title, knocking out previously undefeated Alex Banal in the 10th round last July. He lost the title in his first defense, to the incomparable Jorge Arce. He enters this fight world-rated No. 3 by the WBA, No. 4, by the WBO and No. 8 by the World Boxing Council, with four of his last five victories coming by knockout.
