ALA Promotions Gets ‘Washed Out Ex-champ’ As Litmus Test For Boxing Prospect

Cebu-based ALA Promotions is setting up washed out former world champion Florante Condes, who earned the monicker “Little Pacquiao,” as a litmus test for Melvin Jerusalem, one of the latest prospects who have come knocking at the ALA boxing stable.

The fight will be in the undercard of “Pinoy Pride 35 — Stars of the Future” at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on Feb. 27.

“It will be an exciting fight. An upcoming fighter against a former world champion,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said.

Aldeguer said Jerusalem, who is undefeated in eight fights, joined their team after winning two silver medals in the PHL National Games.

“We see something in him but we are not sure yet until we take a chance. It’s good to know early if he has it or not,” he said.

But Condes, despite being a former world title challenger, might not present that of a chance against Jerusalem, who scored seven straight KO wins after opening his pro career with a unanimous decision win against Michael Camellion on July 13, 2014.

Condes, who once held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) world minimumweight belt, hasn’t fought since losing to Ryoichi Taguchi in an eight-rounder on July 5, 2014, eight days before Jerusalem made his pro debut.

He has also lost four of his last six fights, and has four wins and five losses since he lost his IBF minimumweight belt to Raul Garcia on June 14, 2008.

Pinoy Pride 35 will be headlined by the undefeated Albert Pagara, 25-0 18KOs, against former world champion Juan Carlo Sanchez (20-4-1, 9KOs), while Mark Magsayo will face Eduardo Montoya in the undercard.

Magsayo is undefeated in 12 fights and has 10 knockouts, while Montoya is 17-4-1 with 13 KOs. (PNA) SCS/EB/MP/PJN