CONDES SAYS RACHMAN SHOULD RETIRE; WEIGH-IN SET TODAY
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 06 Jul 2007
JAKARTA--Filipino challenger Florante "The Little Pacquiao" Condes has advised IBF minimumweight champion Muhammad Rachman to hang up his gloves after their 12-round encounter on Saturday at the RCTI TV Studio here.
The former gasoline boy Condes, appearing jovial and in light mood, informed in an interview yesterday that "Rachman is old, and he should just retire after I'm done with him."
Such is the confidence of a fighter who has dedicated all his life to this one golden opportunity--the chance to prove his worth and win a legitimate crown for his country.
The official weigh-in for the fight takes place today at the RCTI TV studio. Fight supervisor Lindsey Tucker, who arrived yesterday with American referee Wayne Hedgepeth and the three judges working the bout, will also supervise today's weigh-in.
If successful tomorrow, Condes will become the first Filipino world champion after a long while. The Philippines does not have a world title-holder, and although superstar Manny Pacquiao is considered the best in his division, he only holds a fraction of the WBC belt.
"He's all ready to go. This is a no-tomorrow bout for him. He is dedicating this fight to his country and family," said Condes' manager Aljoe Jaro. "Pag nanalo sya, di na sya maging gasoline boy tulad ng dati. Magpagawa na daw sya ng sarili nyang gasoline station."
The Filipino challenger has been working out at the gym of promoter Tourino Tidar here since arriving last Monday, and yesterday worked out at the gym of Johnny Co, the manager of Indonesian boxer Hengky Wuwungan.
Weight won't be a problem for Condes, who is very comfortable fighting in the minimumweight division.
"He has been eating since we arrived here. There's really not much starving to do since he can easily make weight. We're just giving him the best support we can," said Condes' personal nutritionist Francisco Jaro.
Although the fight has been postponed at least twice owing to the failure of original promoter Albert Papilaya to deliver on his promise to both fighters, interest has been building up for this battle between two certified warriors.
"The local media here has been all over him since his arrival. There is a tremendous interest among fans for this fight," said lawyer Joey Mendoza, who joined Team Condes in the four-hour flight last Monday from Manila.
The fight will not be shown 'live' in the Philippines, although Condes' manager Aljoe Jaro plans on bringing a copy of the tape to be shown for Philippine fans if Condes wins.
"This fight will not reach 12 rounds. If one of my shots lands on him, it will be lights out and over," Condes boldly predicted.
The native of Looc, Romblon, described as a devastating puncher, has 20 KO's in all his 21 wins, and has been unbeaten since 2005.
Rachman, a tough and shifty champion, is expected to have his toughest defense so far, although he had also earlier said he will "teach this young boy a short lesson in boxing."
If victorious, Jaro said Condes' first plan is to pay a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and return to his hometown in Sampaguita, Looc, Romblon after more than six years.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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