Webb's Concepcion perfection
Sam Webb produced a near perfect performance in retaining his British light-middleweight title with a crushing 11th round knockout of Martin Concepcion on Saturday night at East London’s plush nightclub Troxy.
The 29-year-old plasterer’s ring craftsmanship was a joy to watch as he emphatically proved himself a class above a brave but out of depth Concepcion. (left, images copyright Leigh Dawney Photography)
Despite making his first defence six months since he took the belt from Anthony Small, the Swanley champion showed no signs of ring rust and totally dominated his challenger with distinct authority by using his jab and rapid movement throughout.
An appreciative audience watched Webb (10st 13lbs 2oz) skilfully nullify the challenger’s threat as he boxed at range and built an early lead by scoring with jabs and combinations to Concepcion’s head.
A professional for almost seven years Leicester based Concepcion (10st 12lbs 8ox) had lost four out of five between 2005 and 2007 in his worst run and aside from his 2007 two round destruction of Matthew Hall, had never beaten a top flight domestic opponent.
He remained composed when attempting to cut off the ring being careful to not waste energy with off target big shots but I only gave him the fifth round outright where he caught Sam with a solid right and began jabbing and a share of the second.
In the second half of the fight the champion continued pressing home his advantage with his array of skills and even turned southpaw in the sixth.
On the rare occasions when Concepcion found the target Webb cleverly slipped out of range, staying on his toes and popping out his jab which connected with regular ease.
At the end of round nine there was a respectful nod from Concepcion who knew he was in with a skilled tradesman.
Just as it appeared Webb would go on to a comfortable points win there was a late surprise in store which came in the 11th round.
Ironically it began with a Concepcion left and right to Webb’s head which saw the champion stumble slightly against the ropes, but his fading hopes were dramatically dashed at 2.20.
A powerful right hand from Webb caught Concepcion’s temple flush which saw him turn away and crumble to the floor.
Referee Howard Foster immediately and wisely waved it off as the medics moved quickly. Concepcion was up an on his feet quickly and a concerned looking Webb was keen to console him.
The two embraced although Martin was still on shaky legs.
With Concepcion’s recent form of just two defeats in the last ten albeit against lesser opposition Webb’s championship status proved a step too far for him.
In contrast champion Webb could now surpass his own expectations as - former European champion Ryan Rhodes and Prizefighter winner Prince Arron aside - there isn’t anyone else domestically at his level if Commonwealth champion Craig Watson moves back down in weight.
Afterwards I spoke to a delighted Webb who beamed, “It was good, training went spot on, I had a brilliant dressing room, it was brilliant.
Webb also refuted critics who claim he’s not confident.
“Everyone thinks I’m not a confident person. They think Prince Arron is the next best thing, that’s not me being disrespectful to him he has done well.
“But I said to everyone now I have won the title I’m the man everyone wants to beat and I’m confident in myself and I believe now that I can step beyond British level and that’s not me getting excited because I’ve knocked Martin Concepcion out, that’s the truth of it on boxing ability I know I’m better than what people give me credit for.”
Sam, on that performance I totally agree.
Webb is a charming personality and a polished performer.
A treasure for the trade of boxing.
(Images copyright Leigh Dawney Photography)
