It’s more than just revenge for Azukal

For unbeaten WBO Asia Pacific Super bantamweight champion Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania, his upcoming fight against former WBA super flyweight champion Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion of Panama in the main event of “Pinoy Pride XXII: The Revenge” will be more than just for revenge.

Servania revealed that aside from his quest of avenging stablemate AJ “Bazooka” Banal’s painful loss to Concepcion in their world title clash five years ago, he is taking his Oct. 26 battle with the Panamanian at the Pacific Grand Ball Room of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino as his chance of capturing a world crown. Servania and Concepcion will tangle for the vacant WBO intercontinental superbantamweight throne.

ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer bared that a win over Concepcion will pave the path to greatness for the 22-year-old Bacolod City native who totes a pro record of 22-0, 8KOs.

Aldeguer though, is not taking Concepcion lightly in the light of the latter’s shocking conquest of the then 18-year-old Banal in 2008 for the interim WBA superflyweight title at the Cebu Coliseum.

“It was a night that I can’t forget because it’s a world title fight not just for Banal but for the entire country. We can’t blame Banal though because he gave it his all. Now Concepcion’s returning to Cebu to fight another Filipino,” said Aldeguer during yesterday’s official launching of Pinoy Pride XXII at the Sarrosa International Hotel.

Veteran trainer Edito Villamor said Banal lost his confidence after that fight. “Banal was winning that fight but he got hit by a lucky punch. But I can guarantee everyone that Servania will beat Concepcion,” said Villamor.

INTIMIDATING FOE

Concepcion owns an intimidating record of 18 wins, with eight knockouts and six losses and one draw. The 31-year-old veteran has also fought world champions Jorge Arce, Fernando Montiel and our very own Nonito Donaire.

Servania’s record includes victories over Mexicans Genaro Garcia (38-8, 23KOs) and Gerson Guerrero (34-9, 26KOs).

Villamor said Servania’s advantage against Concepcion is the Filipino’s speed and power.

In his international debut in Macau last July, Servania escaped with a technical decision win over Japanese Konosuke Tomiyama despite being knocked down twice.

“Dili nako grabe ka gigil parehas atong sa Macau. Mas pasensyoso nako karon ug daku kaayo kog salig sa akong training. Sigurado jud ko nga makabalos ta sa kapildihan ni Banal,” said Servania.

Aldeguer said that if Servania beats Concepcion, he will send him to the US to train against tough foreign fighters.

Meanwhile, “King” Arthur Villanueva (23-0,13KOs) who was supposed to face Mexican Oscar Blanquet will instead meet former world title challenger Jose “Matador” Cabrera (22-3-2,10KOs) who is also from Mexico.

Blanquet was replaced after he was assaulted and hospitalized a few days after signing the contract to fight Villanueva.

“I have studied Cabrera’s fight tapes. He is a technical and clever boxer who loves to fight from a distance. I’ll do my best to finish the bout impressively,” said Villanueva who is ranked No. 2 by the WBO in his weight division.

Also fighting in the undercard are IBF lightflyweight champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero (18-2,10KOs) who will defend his belt against Mexican Felipe Salguero and Roli Gasca (20-4-1,5KOs) who will fight a still unnamed foreign opponent.