Bernabe Wins Belt, Garcia Earns Respect

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Main Event Fireworks at San Manuel

 

Sometimes in “losing” a bout, you can still win–and come out looking even better than when you first stepped into the ring.

Such was the case for San Diego’s Aaron Garcia (10-3-2, 2 KOs) who went toe to toe against Bernabe Concepcion (29-5-1, 15 KOs) in Thursday night’s main event at San Manuel Indian Casino in Highland, California. The card featuring seven bouts was a co-promotion with Top Rank and Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions. “Pacman” (the star in the San Manuel commercial) made a special guest appearance in the ring thanking the audience and even speaking in Spanish for the Mexican fans in attendance.

On the bill was a trio of Filipino fighters being showcased with the headlining bout between “The Real Deal” Concepcion and “El Gavilan” Garcia. Bernabe, the more experienced of the two at just 23 years old, was the favorite going into this featherweight contest for the vacant WBC Contintental Americas title.

As I walked up to the arena to check in, I saw hundreds of fans lined up in advance with a long stream of people snaking around the entrance. The mood was lively as the ticket holders anticipated a great night of fights including the Concepcion–Garcia main event. Bernabe, who has numerous NABF and WBC regional titles already under his belt, was certainly the crowd favorite heading into the battle zone.

But what transpired during their fistic war ignited the large crowd. Scheduled for ten rounds, this was a back and forth battle with no quit from either corner. Concepcion’s speed advantage and slick skills tested his 29-year-old challenger. But Garcia, 29, caught his foe with sheer aggression, punishing body shots and pure determination.

Trading shots in a sizzling affair, Aaron, living up to his nickname of “El Gavilan,” fought on as a little blood trickled down from his eye after an accidental head butt in round eight. As the pair continued to rage war, the crowd chanted “Mexico” and “Philippines” back and forth as their chosen warriors exchanged blow after blow. It really was nonstop action in their 30 minutes on the canvas. Always surging forward, there wasn’t one second in this fight that could be deemed boring or dull.

A true barn burner till the final bell, the lead changed throughout the brawl. It was a close and competitive battle.

As the spectators waited for the judges’ decisions, the fans voiced their own opinions. Some had it a draw, many thought Concepcion won while several gave it to Garcia. When the decision was officially announced, scores read 96-94 twice for Concepcion and 97-93 for Garcia, giving the Pinoy fighter a new WBC strap in a split decision victory. The young Filipino talent adds a victory to his ledger and remains a popular favorite amongst his growing legion of fans.

WBC Supervisor Craig Hubble awarded the championship belt to Bernabe in what was the “Fight of the Night” full of fireworks. An enthusiastic Hubble commented to me what an incredible bout this truly was. Just two weeks ago the WBC representative awarded another WBC championship title in another “Fight of the Night” candidate with the Jorge Linares–Antonio DeMarco scene stealer at Staples Center. The WBC Supervisor was impressed by all the action.

And last Thursday, the action during the Concepcion–Garcia tilt could rival any other contest.

In this tight little scrap, Garcia didn’t really “lose.” After the final bell, he jumped up in celebration after a good and extremely tough performance. And after the decision was read, fans of the Mexican slugger voiced their disapproval in booing Concepcion’s win. Garcia gained a ton of respect and caught the attention of those in boxing circles.

I caught up with his trainer a day after his fighter’s split decision defeat to hear his thoughts about Thursday night.

Boxing trainer Vince Parra is a former fighter and son of the famed Bumpy Parra. Vince also has rising star Mercito Gesta included in his stable of prizefighters. Congratulating the team on an impressive and gritty performance, I checked in with Team Gavilan to hear their thoughts about the fight and to also find out what’s next for the young puncher.

His trainer didn’t mince words on the split decision victory for Concepcion.

“My thoughts on the fight?” replied Parra. “It was a great match. But the wrong guy got the decision.”

But the well-respected trainer also sees the bright side in “losing” this battle.

“On the upside, I felt Aaron proved he is a world-class featherweight. Bernabe fought hard and was well prepared,” Vince tells me. “I respect him and his camp very much. He’s a really nice respectful guy. But Aaron had him hurt–and controlled at least seven rounds! But that’s boxing sometimes.”

“So the team would like a rematch?” I ask.

“A rematch would be great for the fans and TV! But it’s a long shot, they know he lost,” sums up Parra. “If they fought again Aaron would stop him; they wouldn’t want to risk it.”

“What does the future hold for ‘El Gavilan’?” is my next inquiry of his San Diego trainer.

“As for Aaron’s future, I’ll have him rest the remainder of this year,” Vince concedes. “It was a grueling fight. Plus I’m back in camp with Mercito Gesta for his November 11 date so I’ll work on Aaron’s next one after that!”

The likable boxing coach is proud of his fighter and proud of Aaron, who we all watched launch full force in making the most of Thursday night’s opportunity.

“We want to thank MP and Top Rank for the opportunity once again,” Parra says, “and Sean Gibbons for believing in Aaron to make this the great fight it was”

It was a great fight with Bernabe Concepcion winning the WBC Continental Americas belt and Aaron Garcia winning the respect of countless new fans.

Photo of Craig Hubble courtesy of Michele Chong; photo of Team Parra courtesy of Vincent Parra
Ring photos courtesy of Dr. Ed de la Vega/PhilBoxing.com

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