A ray of hope will shine brightly inside Solaire Entertainment City as fighters step into the ring for the Black Tie, Black Eye Affair V, the Philippines’ most prestigious charity boxing gala, on August 15, 2026. While the event promises exciting bouts and memorable moments, its true purpose goes far beyond competition. Every punch thrown and every round fought represents a commitment to changing the lives of vulnerable children supported by the Virlanie Foundation.
The Black Tie, Black Eye Affair brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and amateur fighters who undergo weeks of intensive training to prepare for the event. Unlike professional boxing matches fought for titles and rankings, these contests are held for a greater cause: raising funds to provide shelter, education, healthcare, and opportunities for disadvantaged children across the country.
Johnny Barracuda
JP Concepcion, an amateur boxer who uses the ring name Johnny Barracuda, is once again participating in this year’s event, and his involvement symbolizes the spirit of service that defines the fundraiser. By stepping into the ring, Barracuda demonstrates that courage is not measured solely by physical strength, but also by the willingness to use one’s platform and abilities to help others.
His participation reflects the values of discipline, sacrifice, and compassion that charity sporting events seek to promote. It also serves as a reminder that true champions are not defined solely by victories inside the ring; they are equally defined by the impact they make outside of it. By lending his time, effort, and determination to this cause, Concepcion inspires others to support charitable initiatives and become agents of positive change.
Sport with a social purpose
What makes the Black Tie, Black Eye Affair unique is its ability to combine sport, entertainment, and social responsibility. Spectators do not simply watch a boxing event; they become partners in a mission to break the cycle of poverty and create brighter futures for children who need support the most. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation made contributes directly to this mission.
When the bell rings on fight night, the fighters, including JP Concepcion, will be competing for more than personal pride. They will be fighting for hope, opportunity, and a better future for the children of the Virlanie Foundation. In the end, the greatest victory of the evening will not be measured by scorecards or trophies, but by the lives transformed through generosity and compassion.
For Concepcion, boxing is a journey, and he believes that every experience is a gift, regardless of the outcome. What matters most, he says, is how one appreciates the lessons that come with each challenge.
Pride of Bacoor
Concepcion is proudly representing Bacoor, Cavite and the City Government of Bacoor is fully committed to supporting Team Barracuda to this event. The city aims to strengthen and elevate its boxing program and foster a thriving boxing culture through the expertise and guidance of SSGT Lawrence Yulo, a former member of the Philippine National Boxing Team during the era of Olympic Medalist Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco, Jr., and Philippine Boxing Federation champion Antonio "Crossman" Uy.
This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the City Government of Bacoor through the support of Mayor Strike Revilla, Councilor Horacio "Udoy" Brillantes, Jr., and Councilor Noly Galvez.
A lesson from Ma’am Cucuy
Concepcion
also recalled a memorable moment when, after suffering a defeat, he was warmly
greeted by Maria Laurita “Cucuy” Elorde with the words, “Congratulations.”
The greeting struck him deeply because it came from a respected figure in
boxing and the daughter of the legendary
Flash Elorde. There was no trace of pity or mere consolation in her voice—only genuine respect.
At that moment, Concepcion realized the true meaning of the congratulation. He understood that the instant a boxer steps into the ring, after enduring grueling months of training, sacrifice, and preparation, he has already achieved a victory. Whether he wins or loses the bout, the courage to face the challenge and compete at that level is, in itself, a triumph worthy of recognition.
Proceeds and preparations
The proceeds from the event will support the programs of the Virlanie Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping abandoned, abused, neglected, and vulnerable children in the Philippines. Through residential homes, street outreach initiatives, community development programs, healthcare services, and educational opportunities, Virlanie works to ensure that children can grow into healthy, educated, empowered, and employed members of society.
The foundation’s overall goal is to help children become healthy, educated, empowered, and eventually employed, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty. Concepcion, along with the other boxers, is proud to be part of this mission.
In previous editions of the event, a portion of the funds specifically supported Virlanie’s Operation Kalinga Campaign, along with its broader child welfare programs.
Concepcion is not a full-time boxer. He maintains a regular job while also serving as a boxing analyst and commentator for Elorde TV events. Balancing work, commentary duties, and training has made his preparation for this fight both mentally and physically demanding. He admits that the greatest challenge lies in maintaining the right mindset, but with the help of his teammates, he has committed himself fully to training. Together, they are doing everything possible to translate their plans and practice into a strong performance inside the ring.
Barnaby, who?
JP Concepcion is scheduled to face a boxer from the United Kingdom. No further details have been disclosed by the organizers regarding his opponent’s identity. The only information available to Concepcion is that the British fighter works with one of the event’s major sponsors and is currently known by the ring name Barnaby.
Despite the limited information, Concepcion takes pride in the opportunity. For the first time in his amateur boxing career, he will be facing a foreign opponent and representing his beloved Philippines on a stage within the charity event.
For him, that responsibility adds even greater meaning to an already significant fight—one that is not only about competition, but also about service, national pride, and helping create a better future for children in need. The Concepcion-Barnaby tussle is for a title.
“Gawin ko ang best ko para mapunta sa Pilipinas ang belt,” said Concepcion in conclusion.
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(Photo:
Black Tie Gala Events / Red Hat Black Tie)
