Robson Conceicao bounced back impressively.
The 2016 Olympic gold medalist from Brazil, who lost his 130-pound title challenge against WBC champ Oscar Valdez in September, dominated previously unbeaten Xavier Martinez to win a wide decision in a 10-round bout Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Conceicao (17-1, 8 KOs) got off to a strong start against Valdez but lost focus or energy, which allowed Valdez to rally and win a close decision.
The 33-year-old from Salvador, Bahia didn’t allow that to happen against Martinez (17-1, 11 KOs) at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, simply outworking his opponent to win round after round.
Martinez had moments, including a left hook that rocked Conceicao late in the third round. However, that was the exception.
Ray Woods, the trainer of Martinez, implored him between rounds midway through the fight to get busier but he never matched the pace of Conceicao, who fought with the passion of a fighter determined to avoid consecutive losses.
Thus, the final scores weren’t surprising: 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92. Boxing Junkie scored it 99-91 for Conceicao, nine rounds to one.
“I learned a lot from that Oscar Valdez loss, and that’s why I was able to dedicate myself,” Conceicao said. “I wasn’t discouraged by what happened that evening. I know who I am, and I knew if I put in the work, I could have this type of performance.
“But my mind is set on Valdez, and I definitely want that shot.”
The fight was billed as a WBC title eliminator. That means Conceicao, ranked No. 3 by the sanctioning body, could meet Valdez again if the champion can get past fellow titleholder Shakur Stevenson on April 30.
If Stevenson wins, Conceicao will be a strong candidate to get another shot at the title.
“I know I should be the champion,” Conceicao said. “I know I beat Oscar Valdez. He has a fight against Shakur Stevenson, and I think Shakur is going to win. But as a fan and a fighter, I want Oscar to win because he owes me a fight.”
Meanwhile, Martinez vowed to put the setback behind him and move forward.
“I thought it was closer,” he said. “I know I didn’t do enough to win. I sat back too much. I didn’t listen to the game plan fully. It is what it is. I’m not going to be a sore loser. He did his thing tonight. It wasn’t my night. I’m not done. This is just the beginning.
“I know I hurt him twice. I didn’t listen to my corner fully. I’m going to hold my head high and keep going.”