Florante Condes Challenges Hekkie Budler For the IBO Minimunweight World Title in South Africa
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 14 Aug 2012
One more big shot at stardom for "The Little Pacquiao."
Former IBF world champ Florante Condes, aka "The Little Pacquiao" of Looc, Romblon (LEFT) comes back to the ring with the tough mission to challenge champion Hekkie Budler for the IBO minimumweight world title on September 22 at the Emperor's Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa, confirmed today international matchmaker Brico Santig of Highland Boxing.
"After months away from boxing, Condes will fight for the IBO world title in South Africa. It's not easy fight, but it's also a great chance for Condes to become a world champion again. So he has been training hard at the Highland Gym in La Trinidad, Benguet, with trainer former Filipino champ Alan Alegria," said Santig to Philboxing.
In preparation for his coming big battle, Condes has already completed a month of rigorous training, which has included effective sparring sessions with stablemates Alvin Bais, Mateo Handig, Roilo Golez, Jay Estremos and Rey Megrino.
In his last fight in June of last year in Bangkok, Florante Condes lost a 12-round unanimous decision to undefeated thai Wanheng Menayothin (23-0, 7KO's).
Then, a minor accident while playing basketball kept "The Little Pacquiao" out of the ring for nearly a year.
"But now everything is OK, the long rest was good for Condes and his daily sparring sessions are really getting him in top shape," shared Santig whose boxing promotions company is based in La Trinidad.
Despite the inactivity, Santig and trainer Alegria are confident that the veteran 32-year-old Florante Condes has the experience, will and boxing talent required to grab the championship belt from the fresher South African world champ Hekkie Budler, eight years younger than Condes, who will be making the first defense of his world title.
Hekkie Budler (20-1, 6KO's) won the vacant IBO minimumweight (105 lbs) belt in a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Filipino Michael Landero in September of last year in Kempton Park, South Africa.
Prior to that success, Budler was the IBO light flyweight (108 lbs) world champ, a vacant title that he won from filipino Juanito Rubillar in February of 2010.
Florante Condes (25-6-1, 21KO's), will be assisted in his IBO title fight against Budler by cornermen Apolinar Valencia and Brico Santig.
The trio will travel to South Africa on September 15.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
Wed, 11 Feb 2026Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
Wed, 11 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Wed, 11 Feb 2026IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 11 Feb 2026The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Wed, 11 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
By Eric Armit, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Feb 2026Shark attack in Florida Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Making waves on Feb. 19
Tue, 10 Feb 202619-1 Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga returns on February 21 to Atlantic City
Tue, 10 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Women's Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Tue, 10 Feb 2026