"Just because it's a Filipino show doesn't mean all of the Filipinos are going to win. It's not like I'm taking it lightly or anything. I still train as hard as I did when I first won the title, so I'm going to be in very good shapeÂ… I think he's a really tough fighter. I haven't seen him fight, but just looking at his record shows he's a good, tough fighter. I know he's strong. I know he's a strong guy," stated WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano as he talked about his upcoming clash with Bernabe Concepcion on the August 15 Pinoy Power 2 card. Check it out!
PC: How are you doing Steven and how is preparation going for your August 15th fight against Bernabe Concepcion?
SL: Everything is going good and my preparation is going great!
PC: This fight was supposed to happen on the Pacquiao-Hatton undercard, but you had to withdraw for physical reasons. How are you physically?
SL: I'm a lot better now. What happened was I pulled a back muscle running down the hills in Ventura and I was aching and still fighting, but it was causing too much pain. It wasn't worth me putting my title on the line for that.
PC: This card is designed to showcase the Filipino fighters and put them on the forefront. Are you motivated by playing spoiler to those plans?
SL: Oh yeah! I have no problem with it. Just because it's a Filipino show doesn't mean all of the Filipinos are going to win. It's not like I'm taking it lightly or anything. I still train as hard as I did when I first won the title, so I'm going to be in very good shape.
PC: Concepcion is coming into this fight with only one loss as well. What do you think of him as a fighter?
SL: I think he's a really tough fighter. I haven't seen him fight, but just looking at his record shows he's a good, tough fighter. I know he's strong. I know he's a strong guy. I saw him the day of the press conference and he's a pretty big guy. Not height-wise, but he looked pretty yoked up.
PC: It was reported that you pulled out of the original date for this fight because of some eye problems. I know you suffered two bad cuts on the same eye. Was it career-threatening like reported or overstated?
SL: I suffered two cuts above my left eye, but that was in 2004. It might have been earlier than that. It's been awhile since I've been cut, so I don't know why people are saying that I was having eye problems.
PC: You have been out of the ring for nearly a year. You're known as a boxer and boxers usually like to stay active to stay sharp. Will rust be a factor or have you been feeling sharp in the gym?
SL: Well I did feel a little bit in the beginning, but I'm fine now. There should be no reason I should have ring rust when I'm sparring hard every day. I should get over it. It's not going to be a problem or an issue because we spar every day, so it should go away.
PC: Have you done anything differently for this camp as opposed to previous camps or have you pretty much kept it the same?
SL: We've pretty much kept it the same.
PC: Concepcion likes to get wide with his punches sometimes. How important is it for you to capitalize on those counter punching opportunities?
SL: I just have to keep my distance. I know he's the shorter guy and he's going to want to be in close with me, so I have to keep him at my reach and make sure he has to reach far.
PC: What do you feel will separate you guys on the 15th and make sure your hand is raised?
SL: Experience! I just think my experience will be the key.
PC: I appreciate your time. Good luck to you in a couple of weeks. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
SL: Thank you, that's it!
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]