By LITO DELOS REYES
FILIPINO pro boxer-turned trainer Benedict “Dondon” Concepcion finally lost in his battle with cancer last June 30 in Quezon City.
Concepcion, 38, a former WBO Inter-Continental bantamweight champion, was diagnosed with a high grade sarcoma, a cancer he suffered for 10 months.
“Ten months po simula nong maaksidente siya sa motor, doon po nagsimula yung sakit nya,” (It’s been 10 months since he suffered a motorcycle accident that he got sick with it) said Concepcion’s younger brother Bernabe, also a former WBO Oriental super bantamweight title-holder.
Don Don Concepcion was hospitalized for three months before he died.
The late Concepcion left six children with the youngest aging only three years old from his wife.
His body now lies in state at the Ka Andres Funeral at 91 Quirino Highway in Balon-Balon, Quezon City near Balintawak, Edsa.
The burial is set on July 5.
Dondon Concepcion won the WBO Inter-Continental bantamweight title by a decision against Vihok Jockgym on April 30,1997. He retained it by a decision also against challenger Yun-Jin Hyang on December 6,1997.
Concepcion then lost to Abner Cordero by a unanimous decision in their battle for the Philippine bantamweight title held November 25, 2000 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Paranaque City, Metro Manila,
In his last fight, Concepion also bowed to Israel Vazquez by a third round technical knockout in their title-fight for the vacant NABF super bantamweight crown held on January 7, 2001 at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Concepcion then retired with a record of 20 wins with 10 knockouts, 6 loses and one draw.
About Author
Condolence to the family.