By Jake Donovan
It’s apparent that Luis “El Nica” Concepcion is still getting used to campaigning full time in the junior bantamweight division. The free-swinging slugger from Panama wrapped up training camp on Monday, hitting the scales at 113 ¾”, more than a full pound below the 115 lb. divisional limit with still four days to go until the pre-fight weigh-in for Saturday’s showdown with unbeaten junior bantamweight titlist Carlos Cuadras in Metepec, Mexico.
Concepcion (32-3, 23KOs) comes in having won nine straight, but heads back to a boxing-rich country that hosted his last loss, when Hernan ‘Tyson’ Marquez knocked him out inside of a round in their Oct. ’11 rematch.
The fight was his lone road trip since turning pro nearly nine years ago, and his second title fight loss in as many tries, both coming versus Marquez.
Despite the current win streak, his focal point is clear as he prepares for Saturday’s clash.
“I am coming to Mexico for the world title,” notes Concepcion, who moved up in weight last August with a 7th round knockout of Duvan Hernandez to earn his title shot. “Some other time, I will come on vacation with my family to get to know this beautiful country where I will become world champion.
“For now I'm focused 100% on this fight which is very important because the fight this Saturday will mark a turning point in my career.”
Cuadras claimed his belt last May, scoring a technical decision win over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai after a clash of heads brought an abrupt ending to their title fight. A similar fight produced an anti-climactic ending as his 1st title defense versus Jose Salgado ended in a technical draw.
A conclusive ending in a title fight finally came for Cuadras last November, scoring a one-sided 6th round stoppage of Marvin Mabait. The bout took place in Washington D.C., marking his stateside debut.
While Cuadras looks forward to a homecoming weekend, his next challenger has every intention of violently crashing the party.
“Mexico is a country of great champions and the people are very friendly,” acknowledges Concepcion. “Unfortunately, they will be left without a champion. Carlos Cuadras is no match for my power and will eventually fall to my feet.
“I’m ready for everything he has to offer in order to once again become world champion. Although, I want to make clear that this Saturday I will knock him out.”
Saturday’s bout headlines a televised doubleheader airing live on Televisa. In the chief support, Ramon Garcia and Jonathan Taconing square off in a junior flyweight clash with title fight implications.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
