GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO - Filipino Bernabe Concepcion worked hard this afternoon before the media who were present at the Wilfredo Gomez Gym as he finished up his training for the clash this Saturday, July 10, against featherweight champion of the World Boxing Organization, Juan Manuel "Juanma" Lopez, on the Billboard "The Challenge" - put together by Top Rank in association with PR Best Boxing Promotions, and will be transmitted through the U.S. by Showtime from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (photos by Jose Perez/PR Best Boxing)
Concepción , who was accompanied by one of his coaches Bubboy Fernandez made warmed up and did shadow boxing, and then went through several rounds on the pads with Fernandez, studying every detail and sweating profusely, for then hit the heavy bag and got back into the ring to stretch.
"We are working hard to win this title. I have been training really hard and I know it will bear fruit," said a quiet Conception before starting his work. "I know that Juanma is a strong opponent, who hits hard, but we are working to bring everything."
The boxer said he is comfortable with the weight and the remainder is to keep it in check until the day of weighing.
On the other hand, Philippines fighter Eden Sonsona (25-1 and 17 knockouts), who will be measured against Puerto Rican Jonathan Oquendo (18-2, 11 KOs) in one of the preliminary fights on the card, expressed confidence in his victory.
"I'm in very good condition and we will show it to be true on the day of the fight. We will show all that we have practiced in the gym and prove in the ring, "said Sonsona, who said he was approximately 126 pounds.
The match in the co-main event will see Filipino Nonito Donaire (23-1, 15 knockouts) against Mexican Hernan "Tyson" Marquez (25-1 and 18 knockouts) for the bantamweight interim title of the World Boxing Association (WBA).
Meanwhile, McJoe Arroyo (3-0 and one KO) will be measured against an opponenet at bantamweight and in his first fight in six rounds; Carlos Negron (9-0 and seven KOs) will face, at cruiserweight and for eight rounds, Mexican Gustavo Enriquez (15-9, 12 KOs). In addition, the unbeaten José "Chelo" Gonzalez (10-0 and six knockouts) will go face to face with an opponent to be announced in a six-round clash at lightweight, and heavyweight Victor Bisbal (16-1, 11 KOs ) faces Terrell Nelson (8-10 and five knockouts) for six rounds.
The televised fights will see Juanma Lopez (28-0, 25 knockouts) against Bernabe Concepcion for the WBO featherweight title and the Filipino Nonito Donaire (23-1, 15 KOs ) against Mexican Hernan "Tyson" Marquez (25-1 and 18 knockouts) for the interim bantamweight title of the World Boxing Association (WBA).
The event will have a total of seven matches,with the first starting at 6:15 pm, while the Showtime telecast will open at 9:00 pm.
Tickets can be purchase at the Box Office of the Colosseum in Puerto Rico or Ticketpop (www.ticketpoppr.com) by calling (787) 294-0001 at a cost of $ 35, $ 50, $ 75, $ 150, $ 200 and $ 400.
