Bernabe Concepcion: Legit opportunity or sacrificial lamb vs. Mikey Garcia?

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On March 10, 2-time featherweight title contender Bernabe Concepcion (29-5-1, 15 KOs) gets another opportunity to contend for a title when he faces undefeated Miguel Angel "Mikey" Garcia (27-0-0, 23 KOs) in a title eliminator bout in Puerto Rico.

The winner of the match-up will challenge the winner of the featured bout between Orlando Salido and JuanMa Lopez in their highly-anticipared rematch.

Mikey is the younger brother of Nonito Donaire, Jr.'s trainer Robert Garcia, who also cornered a former Concepcion opponent in Steven Luevano. Concepcion lost that title fight with Luevano after being disqualified for a late hit in the 7th round.

Once one of Philippine boxing's most promising fighters, Concepcion will be batlling to stay significant after a couple of disappointing losses and a hand injury that sidelined him for a few months.

Concepcion will be taking the place of countryman Michael Farenas, who was originally scheduled to face Garcia. Garcia's manager Cameron Dunkin made the switch due to Farenas' alleged headbutting issues.

Some wonder whether Dunkin simply wanted an easier opponent for his ward, as I myself don't recall Farenas being known to use his head the way Timothy Bradley is. Coincidentally, Dunkin is also Bradley's manager.

Is this a real oppurtinity for Concepcion? Or is he simply being set up as a sacrifical lamb for Garcia? That's up to Concepcion on how he approaches this fight.

Concepcion has not been impressive in the last two years, but has the ability to pull out a surprise win. If he can pull it together, focus, and train harder than he has ever trained his entire career, Dunkin might very well regret his decision of replacing Farenas.

I doubt it though; and that's not me hating. That's just me challenging Concepcion to prove he is still something and not just a "preferable replacement".

Filipino Boxing Fans Feedback:

Justin Baguioro - Sacrificial lamb, indeed.. Well, in boxing, one punch can change the game. He got a puncher's chance though. We'll see..

Hanz Paulo Lustre - Mikey is not really a beast like most people think. He is slow and one-dimensional. A good fight plan for abe can pull an upset. I won't be surprised if he wins.

Jeremiah Buendia Origenes - Bernabe Concepcion should take things in a professional way, from training to the fights. He should stop thinking of being a star, and start thinking like a real fighter, regardless who he faces.

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