Jaro says Condes should go for early knockout

IBF minimumweight champion Florante Condes’ estranged manager Aljoe Jaro said yesterday the fighter’s chances to repulse unbeaten Mexican mandatory challenger Raul Garcia hinge on scoring an early knockout.

Condes, who turns 28 next month, is booked to stake his crown against Garcia in La Paz, Mexico, on June 14. It will be the first defense of the title Condes wrested from Muhammad Rachman on a split 12-round decision in Jakarta last July.

Managerial problems led to Condes’ long period of inactivity with Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain finally stepping in to resolve a dispute involving Jaro. Buhain ruled an American group, led by Dante Ortiz, gained promotional rights over Condes after paying Jaro a $10,000 fee.

But Jaro insisted his manager’s contract, which expires in 2010, is valid and threatened to go to court if it isn’t respected. The contract stipulates a 40 percent share of Condes’ purses for Jaro.

Despite Buhain’s ruling, Ortiz’ role remains unclear. Ortiz’ partners Bobby Bostick and Cezar Trevino recently took control of Condes’ contract and claim to represent the Filipino. Condes, however, prefers to be managed by his uncle Larry Valencia, aunt Loy Valencia and lawyer Edgar Padernal.

Condes was initially slated to face Garcia last Feb. 16 but the fight was called off when the champion suffered a right wrist injury and was hampered by pain in his lower back. Garcia then cemented his right to challenge Condes by outpointing Ronald Barrera in an IBF title eliminator last Feb. 29.

The IBF later conducted a purse bid for Condes’ defense and the Garcia camp won with an offer of over $60,000. Condes will receive a guaranteed paycheck of about $50,000.

Although their relationship is strained, Jaro said he will be at ringside for Condes’ fight.

“Of course, I want Condes to win,” said Jaro. “I just don’t understand why he’s fighting in Garcia’s hometown when he’s the champion. I think Condes deserves a better deal. His purse should be anywhere between $80,000 to $100,000.”

Jaro said Condes’ long layoff will be a disadvantage.

“Condes should go for an early knockout,” he said. “His biggest asset is power.  His problem will be lack of stamina. He should try to finish off Garcia inside three rounds.  If Condes lands, I’m sure Garcia will go down.”

Jaro said he was informed Condes will train under Danny Bactol or Dodong Donaire at the ALA Gym in Cebu.

“We’ve been together a long time and as his trainer, I know the secrets of how to motivate him, how to get him in shape,” said Jaro. “Now, he’s on his own. I’m tired of dealing with those who want to take advantage of Condes. Even if he asks me to come back, I won’t. I just want my contract to be respected.”

Condes’ record is 22-3-1, with 20 Kos. He has won his last nine fights, eight inside the distance. Garcia has a 22-0-1 record, with 15 KOs , and is the Mexican 105-pound champion. Three of his last four bouts went the full route, indicating a declining knockout rate, but Garcia has scored six first round stoppages in a career that started in 2004.

Jaro said he leaves for Mexico via Los Angeles tonight to join Freddie Roach in Bernabe Concepcion’s corner for his fight against Colorado’s Torrence Daniels in Queretero on Saturday.

Concepcion, 20, is being groomed to challenge IBF superbantamweight champion Steve Molitor of Canada in June or July. A win over Daniels will move Concepcion closer to a title crack. Concepcion’s record is 24-1-1, with 13 KOs. Daniels, 33, turned pro when he was 29 four years ago and the late bloomer has compiled a 10-3-1 record, with four Kos. He has won five of his last six bouts.

Jaro said Concepcion, the North American Boxing Federation 122-pound titleholder, complained of a slight pain in the shoulder during a sparring session at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood last week. Roach cut short his sparring from eight to six rounds because of the pain. But Concepcion was back in the gym at full strength after a brief rest.

“Abe’s in good shape,” said Jaro. “Bob Arum is working on his title shot. I’m sure he’ll fight for the title before the year ends. But first, he’s got to take care of Daniels.”