Servania out to get payback, title shot

MANILA, Philippines - Genesis Servania braces for what could be his biggest challenge yet – a shot at the vacant WBO inter-continental super bantamweight title against Rafael Concepcion of Panama on Oct. 26 in the Pinoy Pride XXII “The Revenge” at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

But Servania is not only going for the crown in the ALA Promotions’ event but also to avenge compatriot AJ Banal’s loss to Concepcion in their WBA super flyweight interim title bout at the Cebu City Coliseum in 2008.

Concepcion came through with a massive right to Banal’s head to score an unexpected KO in the 10th round.

It was a bitter loss and Servania is more than motivated to even things up with the Panamanian fighter.

Servania scored a bloody victory over Japanese Konosuke Tomiyama in Macau last July where he bucked two knockdowns in the opening round and fired back and dropped Tomiyama by the end of the same round.

The Filipino sent Tomiyama to the canvas again in the third and went on to post the victory and remain undefeated with a record of 22 wins, including eight knockouts.

But Concepcion is unfazed by the Fillipino.

“I have fought better boxers than Servania has faced. He was exposed in his last fight against the Japanese boxer,” said Concepcion, who also belittled Servania’s strength.

“He doesn’t have punching power,” added Concepcion, who after disposing of Banal faced other champions, including Fernando Montiel, Nonito Donaire and Jorge Arce.

He, however, lost to all three for an 18-6-1 record, also marked by eight KOs.

Meanwhile, tickets to the fight are available at SM Cebu Cinema, SM Consolacion Cinema, Robinsons Department Store Costumer Service, ALA Gym BTC, ALA Gym Mandaue, ALA Gym Minglanilla, ALA Gym Banawa and Bisaya Ispisyal  Ayala. For ticket reservations, call 505-9513 /09231072890/09158690905 or visit www.alaboxing.com.