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Add FightsATW on GoogleRobson Conceicao (21-3-1, 10 KOs) isn’t a fighter who can be accused of shying away from the biggest challenges boxing has to offer.
In an age defined by selective match-making and detailed career planning, the former WBC super featherweight kingpin made it his mission to give hell to the four fellow champions he faced in the five title fights he contested at 130 pounds.
Now set to make the move up to lightweight to challenge for the IBF crown held by Raymond Muratalla (24-0, 17 KOs) on August 1 in Las Vegas, the Brazilian has no plans of changing his attitude any time soon.
“I still believe I can compete with the best fighters in the world and win more championships,” Conceicao told FightsATW.com. “As long as I feel that fire inside me, I will continue chasing the biggest challenges.
“I have always welcomed challenges and never been interested in choosing easy opponents. My career has been built by facing the very best in the world, and this fight is another opportunity to prove that.”
The soon-to-be 38-year-old favorite son of the state of Bahia would be forgiven for having a completely different outlook, however.
In July 2024, Conceicao became the first Brazilian fighter to win both Olympic and professional gold when he defeated O’Shaquie Foster via split-decision to claim the WBC belt in Newark, New Jersey. Although he surrendered the throne in the immediate rematch in New York that November, the feat isn’t one to be taken lightly.
In fact, Conceicao hopes that the unique slice of history transcends his ownership to become a watershed moment for a nation not typically associated with the sport of boxing, a key reason why he chooses to fight on instead of hanging his hat on the past.
“Many people think that once you win an Olympic gold medal and a world title, the hunger disappears. For me, it has been the opposite,” he said. “Legacy is important to me. I want to be remembered as someone who helped open doors for Brazilian boxing and who was never afraid to face the toughest challenges.”
Making the jump to the talent-laden 135-pound weight class, “Nino” already has a few names in mind to add to an already stacked resume that includes losses to Shakur Stevenson and Oscar Valdez, a draw with Emanuel Navarrete, as well as the aforementioned pair of fights with Foster.
Headlining the card in which the Muratalla meeting will take place, Lamont Roach Jr and William Zepeda will square off for the vacant WBC belt, while the recently triumphant Abdullah Mason is someone that Conceicao believes will be “one of the future stars of the division.”
In both instances, there are visions of future fights and bright lights that are ignited within the two-weight title aspirant.
“Lightweight is one of the strongest and most talented divisions in boxing today. There are great champions, undefeated contenders, and many exciting fights that can define this era,” Conceicao surmised.
“I’m paying very close attention to the fight between Lamont Roach Jr. and William Zepeda for the WBC world title. Whoever comes out on top will certainly be on my radar.”
Also holding a spot in Conceicao’s consciousness is former amateur opponent Vasyl Lomachenko, who is reportedly eyeing a comeback following his June 2025 retirement. Much has been made of the Ukrainian’s incredible pre-pro record of 396-1, yet there was a brief period in which the number of losses on that ledger was two.
At the conclusion of round 16 at the 2011 World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, Conceicao found himself alongside Russia’s Albert Selimov as just the second conqueror of the great “Loma.” Had the subsequent protest lodged by the Ukrainian Federation, who believed their fighter was unjustly docked points for low blows, been unsuccessful, his place in the history books would still be intact.
All of these years later, there is a burning desire to mend the heartbreak of that tournament.
“We fought at the 2011 World Championships in Baku in a bout that remains controversial to this day,” he recalled. “That night, my hand was raised as the winner, but the result was later overturned following an appeal.”
“I have tremendous respect for the incredible career he has built and everything he has accomplished in the sport, but I won’t deny that I would love the opportunity to face him again in the professional ranks. It would be a chance to revisit an important chapter of my career and settle that story inside the ring once and for all.”
An ambitious outlook cannot give way to delusions of grandeur though, and Conceicao knows that Muratalla, a well-drilled pupil of the famed Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, isn’t a man to take lightly.
The 29-year-old Californian proved his class in January of this year, outgunning the highly-touted Andy Cruz over 12 fast-paced rounds. A repeat performance will more than likely ensure that there are very limited openings for his throne to be seized, particularly if the challenger is already looking past him.
“Before thinking about any of those names, my full focus is on Raymond Muratalla. August 1 comes first, and so does winning the IBF lightweight world title. After that, I’ll be ready for any of the biggest names in the division,” he said.
“Muratalla is an undefeated world champion with confidence, a strong work rate, and a very good understanding of distance and timing. He is in a great moment of his career and has earned his place among the best fighters in the division.
“I’ve already shared the ring with some of the biggest names in world boxing, and I know how to adapt to different styles. I have a lot of respect for Muratalla, but I also believe in my experience, my technical skills, and my ability to compete at the highest level.”
While the jury is still out on whether he can reach the top of the mountain again, there is one fact that remains certain – Conceicao will take on all comers for as long as the climb lasts.
Quotes in this article have been translated by manager Luiz Fernando Menezes.
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