It was common knowledge that boxing is a sport reserved for the truly courageous. It reveals a fighter's true character, stripping away any false appearances and demanding raw, unfiltered honesty. Boxing is intense and very revealing. Boxing doesn't allow fighters to hide who they are — it exposes their inner strength, weaknesses, and true selves by putting them under extreme physical and mental pressure. Every boxing fan should know how the sport forces fighters to confront their limits and realities, both physically and emotionally, things that are not usually seen during their younger years. This is the story of a Filipino boxer named John Paul Concepcion.
Brutal honesty
John Paul Concepcion, also known as JP, grew up in a single-parent household. He and his mother lived in Bulacan until his mom, a teacher, decided to bring him to Cavite when he was still a toddler. They moved from one place to another. And maybe because of this situation, he very much values the friends he meets along the way.
As he grew older, JP was a loner who often found himself glued to a television set, watching old martial arts movies featuring Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. His mother even bought a book, Bruce Lee’s Fighting Method, authored by Lee himself, from National Bookstore, and he owned a collection of Chan’s movies on compact discs, which were mostly pirated copies. JP religiously followed the Japanese manga series Hajime no Ippo. It tells the story of Ippo, a teenage boy with a pure heart and unrelenting determination, who discovers a passion for boxing after veteran fighter Takamura saves him from bullies. JP carried two different ring names in his entire boxing career. He is “Agcon” when fighting in the Ultimate Knockout Challenge (UKC) and “Johnny Barracuda” in other promotions.
Raised in a single-parent home, JP knew the meaning of struggle. He felt the weight of sacrifice and the silence of absence. But instead of breaking him, those challenges built him. They shaped his heart, sharpened his will, and taught him to fight—not just in the ring, but in life. From those difficult days, a warrior was born.
Still, not everyone shared his dream. His family, like many Filipino families—especially those without ties to boxing—feared the danger. They couldn’t bear the thought of someone they loved getting hurt. To them, the ring was a place of pain. But to JP, it was a place of purpose.
He knew the risks. But he also knew that some dreams are worth fighting for. The truth is, in boxing, brutal honesty is the punch you never saw coming. It knocks you down, sure—but it shows you exactly where your guard was low.
And in life? It’s that friend who tells you the hard truth, so you don’t end up living a lie—one built on the pain and confusion you carried since childhood.
And for JP, 36, every drop of sweat, every bruise, every early morning run wasn’t just for glory. It was for his family. For his future. For every young kid out there who needed to believe that no matter where you come from, greatness is possible.
Coaches who inspire
JP officially stepped into the boxing ring for the first time in 2022 at Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Paranaque. Agcon’s debut fight was against Uriah “Uri” Munsayac—a challenge he faced with little preparation. His training was limited to heavy bag workouts, countless runs, drills, and the fundamentals. Sparring, a critical component of boxing preparation, was completely absent from his camp.
Reflecting on that first fight, JP admits, “I had no idea or prior experience stepping into the ring for the first time.”
Sparring is essential in boxing because it simulates real fight conditions. It teaches timing, distance control, and defensive skills in a live environment. More than physical training, sparring builds mental toughness, sharpens strategy, and boosts a boxer’s confidence. Unlike bag work, sparring demands quick adaptation and handling pressure in real-time, skills that are vital for any fight. Yet “Agcon” faced his early bouts without this crucial experience.
Despite this rocky start, JP remains forever indebted to the coaches who believed in him and shaped him into the fighter he is today.
One of his earliest mentors was Rica Aquino-Uy, wife of fellow boxer Anton “Crossman” Ordiz-Uy, and a close friend of JP’s at Elorde’s. Rica, also known as “Baby Dynamite,” is not only a professional boxer but also a gifted musician.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of the Philippines and spent a decade performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra. Rica also taught music for six years at Brent International School and continues to perform as a musician for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra when called upon. Beyond performing, she teaches music literature at the Philippine High School for the Arts. JP, the boxer, loves music himself.
JP’s journey was also shaped by the expertise of Coach Florence Ferrer and Lito “Naruto” Dante at the famous Survival Camp, a training facility for Coach Joven Jimenez and Jerwin Ancajas, who held the IBF junior bantamweight title from 2016 to 2022. Florence Ferrer is greatly responsible for making the journeyman Naruto more as a complete fighter.
What stood out most to JP was the lack of a permanent gym. He and Coach Ferrer move from one training facility to another. “We train almost anywhere—guerrilla style,” said Concepcion.
Another key figure in JP’s growth as a fierce competitor is Coach Bong Renerio Arizala. He is formerly working with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), Arizala helps nurture the next generation of Filipino boxing talent, earning deep respect within the boxing community. In one of their vlogs, Ferrer and Aquino offered free boxing lessons to anyone eager to learn. That simple gesture opened the door for JP to connect with Team Naruto and Team Baby Dynamite—and it became the starting point of something truly meaningful for him. Ferrer offered boxing lessons through social media in Molino, Cavite, which is how JP was able to get in touch with him, and the rest is history.
It is also worth noting that Coach Ferrer was a batchmate of Gennady "GGG" Golovkin during their early boxing years in Palawan. They even competed in the same tournament—an experience that remains one of Coach Ferrer’s most cherished boxing memories. On the other hand, unknown to many in the boxing community, Coach Yulo had a bit role in The Onyok Velasco Story (1997), a film directed by Felix Dalay and starring Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco Jr. himself.
JP’s relationship with his coaches goes beyond the typical trainer-athlete dynamic—it’s deeply personal. To him, each coach has become a father figure. Growing up without one left a quiet void in his life, which, over time, was filled by a strong emotional bond built on trust, discipline, and unspoken understanding. Currently, JP and Anton, his closest friend, are under the guidance of retired Navy man Lawrence Yulo. All three, Coach Ferrer, Coach Parcon, and Coach Yulo are part of the Philippine Navy Boxing Team
Reflecting on the impact of his mentors, JP emphasizes, “The belief my coaches have in my ability is my greatest inspiration.”
Integration, Not Transformation
Boxing may not be his bread and butter, but it is undeniably the heartbeat of his life. He is a corporate peregrine weaving through diverse industries. Once, he was the branch manager of a bustling music store nestled inside one of the country’s most prominent malls. He’s trained countless employees, guiding them in assessing their performance and honing skills through specialized courses for various business institutions. His resume spans fast food chains, hospitals, and retail outlets—a patchwork of experience far from the ring, yet never far from his mind.
Because boxing, or simply the thought of it, occupies every corner of his heart and every pulse of his mind. He waited patiently, over a decade, before the fight with Munsayac finally became reality. Today, JP Concepcion works at a bank in Ortigas, where his primary role is to train employees and collectors, identifying their needs and bridging gaps in their professional development.
Even the COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t extinguish the flame of boxing ignited within him. It’s etched deep into his identity. Through boxing, he’s forged new friendships and lasting connections. JP fondly recalls that his very first amateur bout was against Munsayac, coinciding with the professional debut of Carlo Diaz VII and Anton “Crossman” Uy, who would later become his friends.
When asked how he balances his corporate life with his passion for boxing, JP smiles and says, “It’s more integration than transformation for me.” Though he now thrives in a fulfilling career, boxing is far from a mere hobby—it’s a calling. “As long as my body holds up, I’m a fighter—in the ring and life. My work and boxing will dance together. I just have to manage my time right. Give attention to everything,” he adds with a confident smirk.
The phrase “No Boxing, No Life” reverberates through the boxing world, famously embraced by the great Saul “Canelo” Álvarez. Coined by his legendary trainer and manager, Eddy Reynoso, this mantra captures a philosophy that has inspired countless fighters, including Ryan García and Andy Ruiz Jr. It speaks to a devotion that sees boxing not simply as a sport, but as a way of being—something JP Concepcion embodies every single day.
Late Bloomer
JP Concepcion has come to terms with being a late bloomer in the sport of boxing. He doesn’t expect to stay in the game for decades—after all, boxing is a young person’s sport, and as we all know, no one beats Father Time. Though he was introduced to boxing decades ago, it wasn’t until 2022 that he finally stepped into the ring for his first real fight. I’ll share the full story before this ends.
But no matter the timing, JP has always dreamed of climbing into the ring. He envisioned every detail—the intense weigh-ins, the electrifying pre-fight presentations, the face-off, grand ring walk—all the moments that make boxing unforgettable. These dreams took root when he was a little boy, captivated by the legendary Manny Pacquiao vs. Marco Antonio Barrera fight on October 6, 2007.
What keeps JP going through frustrations and fears is his practice of self-talk. It’s his way of silencing doubt and embracing the possibility that he might one day fight his dream match and claim his place as a ring warrior, no matter how late he starts. Beyond his inner strength, the unwavering moral support from his gym mates and friends fuels his courage. But perhaps most precious is the love from his mother. She has stood by him in ways words can barely capture. Knowing her son was ready to take boxing seriously, she even bought him a punching bag, though, amusingly, without the strap to hang it. How could she have known all the equipment details? Yet, that simple, imperfect gesture erased every doubt JP had about her support.
After his initial win against Munsayac, JP faced six losses. Still, he never gave up. He simply stepped back and rested before returning with renewed passion.
Indeed, JP is a late starter in boxing, but let’s not forget Fauzi "Tuff" Capiello, who began his professional career in his late 40s—a rare example of someone who started much later than most fighters.
And as I’ve said before, JP is only 36. His boxing story is far from over. It is only the beginning.
Poor People’s Sport?
One thing that truly fascinates me about JP’s story is his unwavering passion for the sweet science of boxing. How does a man working a white-collar job seriously consider lacing up gloves, donning a groin cup, slipping a mouthguard between his teeth, and stepping into a ring where every punch could change everything? He could easily design logos or sports apparel on a computer, safely, behind the scenes, far from the risks of the ring. He’s doing just that now with his friends. So why does this young man, who could move comfortably in the world of corporate offices and air-conditioned rooms, choose instead to embrace the brutal, unforgiving reality of boxing?
JP believes boxing isn’t just about fighting others—it’s about challenging yourself. Even those who are well off are drawn to the sport because it strips life down to its bare essence: raw courage, relentless discipline, and iron will. In the ring, there is no place to hide; every move, every moment exposes who we truly are.
For many, boxing is an escape from comfort, a way to feel truly alive. It is an art form demanding mastery of both body and mind. Beyond social status or wealth, boxing creates a brotherhood where everyone stands equal in the face of the fight. Boxing is an inclusive mystery, a sport that transcends class and circumstance. Its true enigma lies in the inner battle it ignites—a fight for meaning, growth, and self-discovery.
Paraphrasing Nelson Mandela, JP says, “Boxing is egalitarian.” Not just because in the ring, no matter your background or fortune, everyone faces the same challenges and struggles, but because it isn’t solely a poor people’s sport. Boxing isn’t just a ladder out of poverty—it’s a path to redeeming a shattered spirit and reclaiming one’s strength.
The ring is a level playing field where character, courage, and heart decide the outcome, no matter which rung of the social and demographic ladder you climbed from.
Of Shadows and Spotlights
When big corporations embrace their social responsibilities, they do more than just comply — they become forces for meaningful change. Whether it’s reducing pollution, cutting waste, shifting to renewable energy, or sourcing materials sustainably, their actions ripple out to touch communities and the environment alike. Many go beyond the boardroom, extending hands through donations, volunteering, and sponsoring local events, weaving themselves into the very fabric of society.
In the world of boxing, this spirit of responsibility takes on a different, yet equally powerful, form. Fighters like JP and his friends don’t just throw punches—they craft identities. They step into the “soft” side of the sport: grooming boxers, shaping their image, and selling their stories to the public. For JP, boxing is more than just a sport—it’s entertainment, and the warriors who enter the ring must wear their personalities as boldly as their gloves. The logos, the designs, the branding—these are all part of the fight, an extension of their very soul.
JP carries a burning hope in his heart: to revive the golden glory of Philippine boxing. “Our country is brimming with untapped talent,” he says with unwavering conviction. “We need to nurture these fighters, especially those hidden in the countryside, by creating more organized matches and embracing fresh, innovative ideas—like reinventing the ticketing system to make boxing financially sustainable.” His vision is clear: grassroots boxing is the future, and he wants to be its ambassador. He wants to educate the youth about the beauty of this brutal sport.
Beyond the ring, his compassion extends to communities in need. He shares a heartfelt connection with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, helping provide boats to Bajao students in Mindanao so they can safely travel to school—a lifeline to education and a brighter future. His generosity doesn’t stop there. Through collaborations with various organizations, he brings people together with mini-concerts, comedy shows, and community-centered boxing events, using every platform he can to spark hope, raise awareness, and uplift lives. But JP’s journey is far from complete. As he prepares for his upcoming fight, he knows the road ahead demands discipline and focus. No matter the challenge, sticking to the game plan is non-negotiable. His killer instinct—the primal fire that burns within every warrior—must be honed, sharpened, and unleashed when it matters most. JP Concepcion is a work in progress, a fighter still learning, still growing—like the legendary Excalibur, entrusted to the hands of master craftsmen before it can reveal its true power.
JP now occasionally trains under the watchful eye of legendary coach Fernando Parcon at the Philippine Navy facility. Coach Parcon’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—he began by training children on sidewalks and in city parks, armed with nothing but a pair of boxing mittens and a wooden stick. His peers fondly dubbed him the "Street Coach"—a title born of respect. With unwavering dedication and a heart full of purpose, he selflessly shared his knowledge, giving countless kids and adults alike a fighting chance at a better life.
Recently, Coach Ferrer endorsed him to retired Navy Staff Sergeant Lawrence Yulo, who became his coach starting with his bout against Jayp “Ninong Tank” Lagnason on September 1, 2024, and continues to guide him today. In addition to Yulo, JP is also mentored by fellow boxer Arnel “The Silencer” Baconaje, as well as his close friend and training partner, Anton “Crossman” Uy. Zeaus Ancajas also had a big impact on JP, especially when he was still in Cavite. Even now, he continues to teach JP and occasionally helps him with partner play and sparring. JP built not just a strong working relationship, but also a deep personal bond with Ivan Ferrer, the son of Coach Florence. Back when Ivan was still in Cavite, he wasn't just a sparring partner- he was JP's trusted training buddy, a brother in the ring. Ivan now lives in Baguio training with the Philippine Boxing Team, chasing the dream they share together.
In this world of shadows and spotlights, JP fights not just for victory in the ring but for the soul of boxing itself. Indeed, his life is a manifestation of the grandeur and beauty of boxing.
Charity champ
JP Concepcion scored a thrilling second-round TKO victory over Mikael “Wolf” Santos in the undercard of BTBE 4: Red Hat Black Tie Charity Affair, held on May 24, 2025, at Solaire Resort & Entertainment City. Formerly known as Black Tie Black Eye, the event combined high-stakes boxing with black-tie elegance, featuring a four-course meal, unlimited prosecco, and an open bar, all in support of a worthy cause.
Diving into the finer details of the fight, Johnny Barracuda unleashed a lethal right straight to the body, catching Santos flat-footed and completely out of oxygen. Exhausted, Santos was defeated after Referee Carlo Baluyot stopped the fight in the second round.
During his post-fight interview, Concepcion told the audience, “My driving force is my losses. That’s six straight losses. All I wanted to do was get back on the winning track.”
The night wasn’t just about boxing. Proceeds from the event went to the Virlanie Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping marginalized children and other humanitarian efforts.
For JP, the victory was twofold—a comeback win in the ring and a meaningful contribution to those in need. Events like BTBE 4 are commendable because they transform a sport known for its grit and intensity into a force for good. Fighters train not for fame or fortune, but to make a difference, showing courage, compassion, and selflessness.
In turning personal challenge into collective benefit, charity boxing becomes more than just a sport—it becomes a service. And for JP, being part of that mission is a triumph all its own.
The quiet power of happiness: a boxer’s wisdom
As
our interview comes to a close, JP shares a story—one you may have heard, but
one that never loses its weight. It’s about John Lennon and his schoolteacher.
When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, Lennon answered simply,
“Happy.”
The
teacher replied, “You didn’t understand the question.”
To which Lennon, in a quiet voice, said, “Ma’am, you don’t understand life.”
JP Concepcion’s message to young people—whether inside the boxing ring or far beyond it—is just as simple, just as powerful: “Do what makes you happy.” He emphasizes the importance of emotional management at every stage of life, especially in the punishing rhythm of sport.
But if I may add something more: when you're truly happy, you're not dissecting it, you're not searching for reasons—you’re simply in it. Fully present. Whether it’s in the stillness of a peaceful moment or the chaos and courage of a fight.
Happiness isn’t something you chase. It’s something you become.
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(Photo
JP Concepcion)