By Ronnie Nathanielsz
The saga of International Boxing Federation (IBF)minimum weight champion Florante Condes continues when he steps into the ring at the baseball stadium in La Paz, Mexico to make the first defense of his title against undefeated hometown boy Raul “Rayito” Garcia Sunday morning (Manila time).
After a struggle over his managerial and promotional contracts Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain placed Condes under the “protective custody” of the GAB while IBF championship committee chairman Lindsey Tucker approved the mandatory defense against Garcia for which Condes’ purse is $50,000.00
When Condes, whose punching power ha earned him the monicker “The Little Pacquiao” won the IBF title in a in a tough fight against champion Muhammad Rachman last July 7 in Jakarta he wound up with a measly $3,000. With well-known Filipino matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz helping out, Condes will not only receive what Tucker said was a good deal he also saved himself the embarrassment of being stripped of his title.
Condes trained at the famed ALA Gym in Cebu under the watchful eye of Danny Bactol who expressed confidence that Condes will retain the title by knockout.
During a courtesy call on Vice-President Noli De Castro before his departure, De Castro warned Condes to make sure of avoiding a hometown decision by knocking out Garcia.
In an email to Viva Sports Condes’ aunt Ms. Loy Valencia said “I wish the Filipino people are aware there is a diminutive champion fighting a tough battle on June 14. His saga continues and they would pray for him."