Dalakian Returns From a 21-Month Layoff To Face Hard-Hitting Mandatory Challenger Luis Concepcion
On August 19, 3KingsBoxing reported that the World Boxing Association (WBA) had ordered a match between WBA world flyweight champion Artem Dalakian (20-0, 14 KOs) and his mandatory challenger, Luis Concepcion (39-8, 28 KOs). The sanctioning organization gave both camps 30 days to agree to a deal, or the fight would go to purse bids on September 28. Here’s a further update.
Representatives for Dalakian and Concepcion were unable to negotiate a deal by the September 27 deadline. A purse bid was held with Dalakian’s promoter, Union Boxing Promotion, winning the bid to stage and organize the fight. The Ukrainian promotional company has since announced the fight will happen on November 20 at the ACCO International in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Its Dalakian’s fifth title defense. He won the vacant WBA 112 pound strap in February of 2018 when he defeated former world junior flyweight and flyweight champ Brian Viloria. His previous four title defenses also took place in Ukraine. In his last fight, the 34-year-old comfortably beat Josber Perez in February of 2020.
Dalakian faces a Concepcion who has been a mainstay at flyweight and junior bantamweight for over a decade and has won world titles in both divisions. However, at age 36, this is most likely his last world title opportunity.
This fight is of the boxer versus puncher variety. The defending champion is more versatile and prefers space to operate at his best. Concepcion is much more of a brawler who relies on his punching prowess. Because of that reality, the challenger has a puncher’s chance. But in truth, most pundits consider Artem Dalakian a significant favorite to retain his belt.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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