GARCIA SAYS CONDES DOESN?T SCARE HIM
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 29 May 2008
Mexico?s undefeated Raul ?Rayito? Garcia says International Boxing Federation minimum weight champion Florante Condes doesn?t scare him.
Garcia made the comment in a conversation with boxing writer Rene Guerrero in his hometown of La Paz, Mexico where he works out at the Pancho Rosales Gym under the watchful eye of trainer Leo Camacho in preparation for his mandatory title shot on June 14 at the Baseball Stadium.
Referring to the vaunted punching power of Condes which has earned him the nickname ?The Little Manny Pacquiao?, Garcia said ?I also have power in my fists and let's see what blows hurt more.?
Garcia who has a record of 22-0-1 with 15 knockouts said ?I had rivals with greater power in their fists and I resisted. Throughout my career I?ve never been on the canvas.?
While Condes trained at the famed ALA Gym in Cebu, running uphill every morning before working on his speed, footwork and combinations aside from sparring with a roster of tough fighters such as Along Denoy, Federico Catubay and WBO Oriental and world light flyweight title challenger Bert Batawang, Garcia has been running in the Desierto de los Leones and emphasized that along with his gym work it had ?made me feel very strong.?
Garcia vowed to put pressure on Condes and surprise him. While refusing to predict a round when the fight would end, the Mexican said ?I will conquer.? Garcia added ?I?m going to fight smart. I will attack with all the boxing skills and power.?
Appealing to his hometown fans to pack the stadium, Garcia said ?the people want to have a world champion and I am going to give them that satisfaction.?
Condes who arrived in Manila on Tuesday after winding down his training camp in Cebu was scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Vice President Noli de Castro on Wednesday afternoon along with well-known promoter Sammy Gello-ani, trainer Danny Bactol and Condes?s aunt Loy Valencia and her husband Larry who have acted as his guardians ever since his differences with manager Aljoe Jaro.
Condes continues to train in Manila and is expected to leave for Mexico as early as June 4. Condes who won the title from tough Indonesian champion Muhammad Rachman last July 7 says he is in fine shape and is determined to win and retain his belt.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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