Rachman shuns Condes rematch

JAKARTA – Former IBF minimumweight champion Muhammad Rachman isn’t keen on fighting Florante Condes, the Filipino who dethroned him two years ago, in a rematch but if their paths ever cross again, the Indonesian veteran said the other day there’s no way he’ll lose.

Rachman, 37, is arriving in Cebu about five days before his 10-round bout against unbeaten WBO No. 2 contender Milan Melindo of Cagayan de Oro at the Waterfront Hotel on Feb. 28. It is the Indonesian’s first trip to the Philippines and only second overseas outing since turning pro in 1993.

Rachman lost the IBF crown on a split 12-round decision to Condes in Jakarta in his fourth defense in July 2007. He was floored twice but the verdict could’ve gone either way.

“Rachman was not in condition to fight Condes,” recalled his East Timor manager Martinez dos Santos, a journalist and TV commentator. “He had a big problem with his second wife whom he later left. The promoter (Albert Papilaya) didn’t pay his purse of $75,000. The fight almost didn’t push through. Luckily, the son of the late Harry Sugiarto, whom we called Don Aseng, saved the promotion only Rachman was never paid.”

Dos Santos said in a rematch, Rachman will win for sure. “All Condes has is a strong punch,” he continued. “Condes has no technique. Their first fight should’ve been a draw even if Rachman went down twice. That’s how close it was. If they meet again, there’s no way Condes will win.”

Condes beat Rachman on a split 12-round verdict as Salven Lagumbay scored it 115-111 and Montol Suriyachand, 114-112, for the Filipino while Mohammed Rois, 114-112 for the Indonesian.

But Dos Santos said he’s steering clear of Condes because of his managerial problems. “Even if we want a rematch, we don’t know whom to negotiate with,” said Dos Santos.

After beating Rachman, Condes severed ties with manager Aljoe Jaro who brought him to the IBF throne and signed up with an American group. Condes later lost the IBF title to Mexico’s Raul Garcia and appears to have been abandoned.   Condes has since fought only once, barely beating Ronel Ferreras on a split technical decision in Compostela last December.

“I know there is big problem between Jaro and the American group,” continued Dos Santos. “If the problem is settled and Condes wants to fight Rachman again, we’ll consider it.”

At the moment, Dos Santos said Rachman’s only focus is Melindo.

“Melindo is good and young but has no experience,” said Dos Santos. “Rachman can’t afford to lose. After Melindo, we’re planning to challenge (WBO minimumweight champion) Donnie Nietes (who is staking his title against Erik Ramirez in Mexico, also on Feb. 28). Then, we’ve got an offer to fight Pigmy Muangchayaphum in Singapore in May or June. Maybe, if Condes can solve his managerial problem, we can fight him late this year. We are also considering offers to fight in the US and South Africa.”

Dos Santos said while the case to enforce Papilaya’s payment is still in court, Rachman is now mentally and physically back on track.

“He is happy with his third wife,” said Dos Santos. “We brought back his original trainer Alex Rabadeta who wasn’t in his corner for the Condes fight. He is training hard in the mountains near the beach in Blitar City. He sleeps every night before nine. He is very disciplined and knows he can’t afford to lose to Melindo.”

Dos Santos guaranteed that Rachman will knock out Melindo.

“Rachman has power, speed and experience,” said Dos Santos. He has a new wife so she is his motivation. Even if he’s 17 years older than Melindo, Rachman is young for his age. He is in good condition. Stamina is no problem. He is an aggressive fighter and I don’t think Melindo can hurt him.”

What bothers Dos Santos is the possibility of Melindo winning on points.

“It is difficult for a foreigner to win a decision over an opponent who’s fighting in his home country,” said Dos Santos. “That’s why our only option is to win by knockout. I’m 100 percent certain Rachman will knock out Melindo.”

Dos Santos said another motivation for Rachman is he wants to win convincingly to seal his election as member of the Indonesian Parliament in the April polls.

“Like Manny Pacquiao, Rachman is involved in politics and represents East Java,” said Dos Santos. “He’d like to come home from a win, not a loss, to impress the voters.”