By JM Siasat

PASAY City, Philippines-One of the ringside observers at the Pinoy Pride series that took place in the Mall of Asia Arena, was no other than Manny Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz. Koncz, who pretty much runs and makes the calls at MP Promotions, had a word with this writer regarding their plans on Bernabe Concepcion's (31-6-1, 17KO's) boxing career.

Bernabe Concepcion last fought in US soil on March 10, 2012, when he was stopped within 7 rounds by Mikey Garcia. It should be remembered that Koncz was quoted as saying that he will suggest for Concepcion to contemplate retirement - if he badly loses to Garcia. Nevertheless, the young Filipino fighter decided to fight on.

"Bernabe asked for another chance. I recommended for him to retire since the last thing that I would like to happen is for our fighters to get hurt," said Koncz.

After the Garcia fight, Concepcion did not return to the ring until October when he fought the overmatched Richard Olisa who holds a record of 23W-19L-2D with 12KO's. It would mark Concepcion's first fight in the Philippines since 2009 in a promotion that doesn't involve MP Promotions or Top Rank, a move that was made with Koncz' blessing.

"Concepcion is very loyal to us. He talked to me about fighting on his own in the Philippines and I gave him a go," told Koncz. "For now we want him to have his confidence back. At least 2 local fights in the Philippines then we will take him back to America."

When the time comes that Concepcion is to be brought to the USA again, Koncz also revealed another plan.

"I told him to drop back down to 122. He said he can't make the weight but he has to learn how, he's too small to be fighting at 126. He should move down and at 122, I think he's going to be a force" revealed Koncz.

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