EXCLUSIVE: Robson Conceição: "I want to leave my legacy in boxing"
An exclusive interview with former WBC world champion and 2016 Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição for Dailysports.net.
What's in the interview?
- How does Olympic boxing differ from professional boxing?
- What does Robson think about his opponents?
- Is Brazil ready to host major boxing events?
- How is boxing developing in Brazil?
- What are Conceição's future plans?
A top-level boxer
Robson Conceição, a Brazilian boxer competing in the 60 kg weight class, is an Olympic champion from the 2016 Rio Games and a former WBC world champion in professional boxing.
In 2016, Conceição captured the gold medal on home soil at the Rio Olympics. This achievement brought him widespread recognition and a lucrative contract with top promoter Bob Arum. According to Robson, the differences between professional and Olympic boxing are significant.
"Olympic boxing is shorter, with fewer rounds, and focuses more on scoring quickly with clean punches. Professional boxing requires more endurance, strategy, and power, as the fights are longer and physically more demanding. I often say Olympic boxing is like running a 100-meter sprint, while professional boxing is like running a marathon. In the Olympics, you represent your country; in the pros, you build your personal legacy," the boxer explained.
Challenges in professional boxing
Some of the toughest fights for Robson Conceição have been against O'Shaquie Foster. In their first meeting, the Brazilian won by judges' decision, but in the rematch, the American emerged victorious.
"Foster is a skilled and strategic opponent with great footwork and adaptability. In the second fight, he managed to implement a game plan that disrupted my performance that night. Boxing is like that—every fight teaches you something new, and I’m even more motivated to come back stronger," Conceição added.
Over his professional career, Conceição has faced several formidable opponents, including Shakur Stevenson, Óscar Valdez, and Emanuel Navarrete. However, he hasn’t secured a win against any of them, losing to Stevenson and Valdez and drawing with Navarrete.
"They’re great fighters, each with a unique style. Stevenson is technical and hard to hit, Valdez has incredible heart and power, and Navarrete is unpredictable and applies relentless pressure. They all elevate the level of boxing worldwide," the Brazilian remarked.
The dream of big fights in Brazil
Most high-profile professional fights take place in the U.S., the U.K., or Saudi Arabia. Conceição himself has fought his most significant bouts in the U.S., but he believes Brazil could soon host major boxing events.
"Fighting in Brazil is a dream I carry with me. I would love to bring major events to my country and inspire the next generation of Brazilian boxers. It depends on logistics and the right opportunities, but I’m hopeful it will happen soon," Robson said.
Conceição’s last fight took place on November 2 in New York, a rematch against American boxer O'Shaquie Foster. Robson was defending his WBC super featherweight title.
The judges awarded the victory to Foster, who reclaimed the championship belt. Despite the setback, Conceição remains determined to pursue significant fights.
"At the moment, we’re waiting for confirmation from my team and Top Rank promoters. I’m open to challenges against any top-ranked opponent. My goal is to face the best and solidify my legacy," the boxer declared.
The state of Brazilian boxing
Brazil is home to many talented athletes, and boxers are no exception. Fighters from the country regularly compete in the Olympics and major boxing tournaments in the U.S. and beyond. However, according to Conceição, there are challenges that hinder the development of young talent.
"Brazil has a lot of talent, but the infrastructure and support need improvement. Among the current boxers, I greatly admire Hebert Conceição, Beatriz Ferreira, and Keno Marley. They are showing the world the strength of Brazilian boxing," Robson added.
Despite having many talented boxers, Brazil’s infrastructure significantly lags behind countries like the USA, Germany, or the UK. This lack of resources creates insufficient conditions for developing young fighters. Conceição believes that with more investors, the number of elite boxers in Brazil could also increase.
"Unfortunately, no. There’s a lack of investment, proper facilities, and solid amateur programs. Many talented boxers miss out on opportunities because they lack resources and support," says Robson.
In many countries, numerous amateur and professional tournaments help nurture young fighters and give them a platform to showcase their skills. Conceição is trying to create something similar in his homeland.
"Brazilian boxing has enormous potential. To grow, we need more sponsorships, social projects, and visibility. Amateur tournaments, like the Copa Robson Conceição, which I’ll organize in 2025, are a good start. I also believe partnerships with schools and communities can help introduce boxing to more young people," the athlete stated.
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Continuing his career at 36
While many boxers continue fighting into their 40s or even mid-40s, some retire earlier. Olympic champion Robson Conceição is already 36 but shows no intention of stopping and remains eager to compete for world titles.
"I’m still highly motivated and feel I have more to achieve. I want to continue as long as my body and mind are ready to compete at the highest level. When the time comes to retire, I want to leave on my terms, with my head held high," the former WBC world champion said.
Overcoming challenges and finding strength
Everyone faces difficulties in life, and boxers are no exception, dealing with losses, injuries, and other setbacks. Some draw inspiration from other athletes, some rely on family support, and others prove their worth through sheer hard work.
"My family is my greatest source of strength, especially my wife and daughters. I also reflect on my journey and everything I’ve overcome to get here. Every setback is an opportunity to grow and come back stronger," added Robson.
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Boxing legends
Most boxers have someone who inspired them to pursue the sport. Many cite Muhammad Ali as their idol, while others look up to the fierce Mike Tyson. Conceição is no exception and has several boxing heroes.
"I deeply admire Muhammad Ali for his skill in the ring and his activism outside of it. In Brazil, Éder Jofre and Adilson Maguila were big inspirations for me. Outside of boxing, athletes like Pelé and Ayrton Senna inspire me with their dedication and excellence," he said.
Éder Jofre, a world champion in bantamweight and featherweight under the WBC, and Adílson Maguila, a WBF world champion and WBC continental champion, have also fought against legends like Evander Holyfield and George Foreman.
The drive for success
At 36, Conceição has already achieved significant milestones in boxing. In 2016, he became an Olympic champion, and in 2024, he won the WBC world title as a professional. He has shared the ring with top fighters like O’Shaquie Foster, Shakur Stevenson, Óscar Valdez, and Emanuel Navarrete. As an amateur in 2011, he even faced Vasiliy Lomachenko.
"I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything inside the ring, inspired others to pursue their dreams, and used boxing as a tool to create opportunities for others," said the Brazilian.
Many Brazilian athletes have overcome significant hardships, as the country faces numerous challenges, with many people earning minimal wages and living in poor conditions. This unique background gives footballers, boxers, and other athletes from Brazil a special motivation to succeed.
"If I hadn’t become a boxer, I think I would have found a way to work in sports or help young people. Since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of inspiring others, no matter the path I followed. But I always believed in boxing—and more importantly, I always believed in myself. I lost my first amateur fights, but imagine if I had given up. My message is clear: never give up on your dreams!" concluded Conceição.
Volodymyr Varukha
Dailysports's expert
