Junior lightweight Robson Conceicao, who captured Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold at the 2016 Rio Games, now holds the WBC junior lightweight title after three previous failed attempts. Conceicao will face former titleholder O’Shaquie Foster (22-3, 12 KOs) in a rematch on November 2 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York.
Conceicao (19-2-1, 9 KOs), 36, signed with Top Rank after the Atlanta games and reflected on his Olympic success, saying: “Every punch I threw in that fight was a battle won against the challenges I faced from the start of my career. I’m grateful to everyone who believed in me and contributed to this historic journey.”
In the 2016 Olympic lightweight final, Conceicao defeated France’s Sofiane Oumiha, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, in front of an ecstatic Brazilian crowd. Conceicao described the victory as the culmination of years of hard work.
“When they announced my name and I felt the crowd’s energy, my determination grew. I knew that was my moment. Behind this medal is a story of overcoming challenges. I am proof that sports can transform lives.”
Now, as Conceicao prepares to defend his title after a controversial split-decision victory over Foster earlier this year, he hopes to inspire a new generation of Brazilian athletes, moving beyond the country’s traditional dominance in soccer and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“I’m very proud to know that many children look up to me,” Conceicao said. “This medal is for them too, to show that with focus and determination, anything is possible.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
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