KO TO DRUGS

Panama got new champion

New champion Luis Concepcion

STAFF

PANAMA. On Saturday night, Panama scored another world championship. Luis “El Nica” Concepcion won over Mexican Omar Salado in round twelve to claim the vacant WBA interim flyweight belt at the Arena Roberto Duran in Panama City, Panama. Referee Luis Pabon waved it off at the :39 mark of the final stanza, crowning Concepcion who dominated Salado for much of the fight. Round five was Salado’s best, winner Concepcion said he “was a worthy rival”.

Former six division world champion Oscar De La Hoya and heaveyweight champion Nikolai Valuev were among the celebrities on hand for the event.

De la Hoya exchanged a few punches with WBA Vice president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza in an exhibition fight.

Legendary boxing promoter Don King appeared to surprise the attendees with his traditional phrase “I love you Panama”.