It's certainly been a hectic couple of weeks for Manny Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz, and somehow, yours truly has found himself right smack in the middle of the drama as it continues to play out. Although reports from the Philippines suggest that he's a man with a title, but no power or responsibilities, it appears Koncz himself is doing damage control to give the impression that his opinion still carries some weight when it comes to the best interests of Manny Pacquiao. Meanwhile, VisionQwest continues to do research into certain discrepancies that sources say were found after an initial review of Pacquiao's contracts. The emails have not stopped pouring in from fans who are questioning Koncz's role as it relates to VisionQwest and how the changes in Team Pacquiao may affect a future showdown with Floyd Mayweather. Although I don't have all the answers, I do have an opinion, so check out what I had to say to inquiring minds who want to know more.
Ben, You dont have to respond to this but I couldn't help but start wondering about things after reading your articles about Pacquiao and his management mess! Then to read that Ariza going at Koncz again after Koncz apparently has been able to wiggle his way back into position! I think Koncz has lots of information that Pacquiao understands wouldn't be in his interest if it got out there to the public. I was hoping that Koncz would be fired so you could interview him and get some real inside information!! But to have people going at one another in his camp and still going at it, makes me feel that it's more than just a sentimental attachment that Koncz has with Pacquiao that keeps him in grace with him! Koncz got the goods and will use them if necessary! But maybe I'm wrong. - Russell
BT: I don't necessarily think that Michael Koncz has any "inside dirt" on Manny Pacquiao as I'm not really sure if there's any dirt to actually know. I do think, however, that Koncz knows a lot of information regarding some of Manny's past and present sponsorships/endorsements. With VisionQwest now taking a much closer look at all of his business dealings, I think Manny is better off keeping Koncz around until all of their research is done. I'm guessing that, as an employee of MP Promotions, Koncz will be required to provide any documenation and/or information that's asked of him. If, however, he's no longer employed by Pacquiao, then obviously he would not have to cooperate at all. This is purely speculation, but my guess is that they're just keeping him around until they're done with him; sort of a "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" type of scenario. Yes, he still has the title of adviser, but with no power and no responsibility, that title is meaningless. Judging from the reports that I've received out of the Philippines, Koncz's role has been reduced to essentially nothing.
After reading your article about Mike Koncz fired by manny, I find you are a shameful person who so naive in helping mayweather to prove Manny on something. All of your articles are meant to discredit Pacquiao. Just because Mike Koncz did an interview with you and he got fired? Wow! Who are u? You are nothing than black ass lover. Fighthype is bullshit. Regards, Chris
BT: Exactly what does Michael Koncz have to do with "helping Mayweather to prove Manny's on something"? Please, Chris, or anyone for that matter, explain that one to me! LOL. First and foremost, I wasn't even the first one to report on that news. Ironically, it was Philippine writer Manny Pinol who began the crusade to shed light on the turmoil surrounding Michael Koncz. On top of that, "respected journalist" Lem Satterfield of Ring Magazine and RingTV.com followed him up by actually confirming the story through his own "source" in the Philippines. Does that also make them "shameful" people who were naive in helping Mayweather to prove Manny is on something? All I did was simply follow-up with my report citing their news. Now since then, I've stayed on top of the story and it's become very clear that VisionQwest, a company that Pacquiao himself hired, has found some discrepancies in his finances that they're concerned about. Again, I'm not really sure of what that has to do with Mayweather, but in my opinion, if there truly are some discrepancies and Manny Pacquiao isn't getting all the money he deserves, I would think that it's actually a GOOD thing that the issue is being brought to light. That's no discredit to Manny Pacquiao at all. If anything, it's actually giving him credit for being smart enough to bring in an outside agency to review all of his contracts, especially when you consider that his boxing promoter is now also responsible for handling ALL of his endorsement deals. If Michael Koncz has anything to do with the information that VisionQwest is uncovering, I would absolutely LOVE to take credit in having a hand in Koncz's demotion, however, in this case, I don't think my interview had anything to do with it. And for the record, considering that my ol' lady is Puerto Rican, CLEARLY black ass isn't the only ass I love. We do appreciate your support though so thanks for reading all of my articles.
Wassup Ben, I just want to say that you have done a great job with the Mayweather vs Pacquiao debacle and have brought fans like me with insight of both camps postions on a megafight between arguably the best fighters pound for pound in the world. I just find it odd that other writers like Dan Rafael of ESPN, Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, and the cronnies from the bleacher report all fail to provide the recent developments you have reported. I find their reporting more opinionated and just flat out false most of the time. I could be wrong in stating this but it is as if since fighters such as Mayweather refuse to grant them interviews, they almost purposely write articles to demean and just outright assassinate his character like the incident where he burns a dollar is just an example of how they focus on and write about things not important to fans. Thanks Ben. - Brian
BT: Thanks Brian. As far as Dan Rafael is concerned, he definitely doesn't appreciate the fact that no one from the Mayweather camp returns his phone calls, and because of that, he holds a grudge that, at times, you can see coming out in his writing. But regardless of that, Dan Rafael is a guy who likes to get his information from promoters and managers, unlike a "lowly website guy" like myself who prefers to get "closer to the streets" so to speak to talk to the people who are closer to the information. Some of the people that I speak to wouldn't even give Rafael the time of day, mainly because, at times, he has a certain arrogance that makes him come off as though he's better than you. That's not to knock him though (well, maybe a little...lol) as he clearly has a passion for the sport. The point is, we just move in different circles and in the many years that I've been involved with this sport, I've found that you can get the truth faster from the people that I speak to - fighters, trainers, and folks hanging around the gyms - than trying to get it from a promoter or manager, who's usually trying to spin a story in their favor.
Speaking of spinning stories, I'll give you a perfect example of what I'm talking about. During the recent drama surrounding Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz, one particular writer at Examiner.com wrote a series of scathing articles about Timothy Sladeck, the gentleman who operates MP8.ph (formerly MPBoxing.com), the official website of Manny Pacquiao. According to the writer, all of the stories about Koncz were started by Sladeck in an attempt to get the adviser out of the picture in order to further his own career and relationship with Pacquiao. He then proceeded to paint a picture that it was Sladeck who was actually trying to secure endorsement deals without Pacquiao's knowledge in hopes of "feathering his own nest" by putting money into his own pocket. In order to paint that picture, the writer quoted an email that was sent by Sladeck to prove that he had some "inside dirt" on him. Well, despite what that writer tried to insinuate, I can confirm 100% that the information he was putting out there was misleading and inaccurate. On top of that, I can also confirm 100% that he was given that information by Michael Koncz and, more than likely, was told to run with the story hoping to deflect the attention and the spotlight that was on him when the rumors about his "demotion" first surfaced. How do I know and why am I 100% confident? Because I'm the one that gave Michael Koncz some of the information that they tried to use. I was the only one who knew about some of the details that the writer discussed, and despite the fact that Koncz guaranteed me that he would not discuss the information with anyone other than Tim Sladeck and Manny Pacquiao, he clearly went straight to another writer the minute he became concerned that his position within Team Pacquiao was in jeopardy. If you clicked on the link that I provided [http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-national/ex-convict-sladeck-i-want-cash-for-manny-pacquiao-s-website-restaurant-movie], you can see that the article has since been removed for one reason or another. While I'm sure the writer will probably spin it like he simply removed it because he wanted to "take the high road" (even though it was up for nearly 2 days and had already been posted on numerous forums), I'm pretty sure it was probably Koncz who instructed him to take it down, especially since I told Tim Sladeck the same information and it became clear that Koncz was going out of his way to discredit the same person responsible for running Manny's official website. That's not something that Pacquiao would be happy about, and considering that Koncz was already walking on thin ice, he probably thought it would be best to make the article go away. I say all of that simply to illustrate that, yes, in boxing, there actually are writers out there who are being fed misleading information and working on behalf of advisers, managers, and even promoters. That's one of the main reasons why I choose to get my information from sources other than those looking to promote their own agenda. To put it bluntly, they can't be trusted (case in point, Koncz telling me one thing and then doing another), so I'll just let guys like Dan Rafael deal with those individuals. I'm sure once Bob Arum has something meaningful to say regarding this whole mess, you'll see Dan Rafael pen one of his "masterpieces".
Regarding Kevin Iole, he's what I like to call a part-time boxing journalist. Given that he spends more time penning puff pieces for the UFC, he only writes about boxing when something "big" happens. This type of petty bickering going on inside of Pacquiao's team is probably beneath him at this point. That being said, if something comes of it, like Pacquiao discovering that Bob Arum has been keeping money from him, then best believe you'll see a masterpiece from Iole on Yahoo! Sports as well. As for the folks at Bleacher Report, I can honestly say that I've never visited that site for any boxing "news", but I'm sure they have a decent group of writers who are good at giving their opinion on what's going on in the sport. After all, everyone has them (opinions) and that's all Bleacher Report was ever supposed to be, a portal for fans to express their opinion. As far as I know, not too many of those guys are pounding the pavement and speaking to folks in the industry on a day-to-day basis like we here at FightHype, as well as some of the folks at other noted boxing websites, are doing.
Hey Ben, I just wanted to drop a line and say great work on the Floyd-Manny time line as well as the "Mayweather Mail" piece posted of July 9th. A lot of great information presented in a clear and concise manner. Nice work. Best Regards, P.H. Burbridge Eastside Boxing
BT: Thanks my man. I apologize for the late reply, but your kudos are definitely appreciated.
Hey Ben, I love your work and think you're a very good and fair journalist. I was wondering why doesn't Mayweather hire a strength and conditioning coach like an alexa Ariza or Victor Conte. Maybe not specifically of course, but a top notch one on their level or does he already have one? Floyd is getting up there in age and I think he can keep and gain some athleticsm by hiring one similiar to how Pacquiao improved a lot after the second Marquez fight. - Zach
BT: Thanks for the props, Zach. Actually, for years, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe has been Floyd's strength and conditioning coach. Actually, I'm glad you asked because, in my opinion, Ellerbe doesn't get enough credit for the work that he's done for Floyd in that regard. I mean, it helps that Floyd is one of those guys that's been blessed with a great metabolism, but Ellerbe was also extremely instrumental in Floyd's own rise through the divisions. It was all done without the use of any special protein shakes or multi-vitamin packs; just hard work and dedication, as Floyd would say, as well as a lot of old school strength and conditioning techniques. I'm not sure how involved Ellerbe still is with some of the more routine tasks in camp, but I'm pretty sure their philosophy is probably "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Ellere also did a short stint with Hasim Rahman at one point, but that didn't last too long.
Wsup Ben? I really appreciate the work you ave been putting in with the Mayweather after dark series and the follow up interviews concerning the Pacquiao- Mayweather negotiations. The interview you did with Annie Skinner from the USADA was very informative. I went on the website to find out more info about how testing is done for the Olympic athletes, and it stated that each athlete has a 60 minute slot in which they can be tested at any given time each day leading up to the event. I bring this up b/c I wanted you to ask Annie if any athletes ever said that testing before the event or on the day of the event weakens them or affects their performance. Pacquiao claims that testing the day of the fight weakens him. If it does not affect other athletes (fighters included) it shouldn't affect Manny. - Ron
BT: Hey Ron. I haven't had a chance to get back in touch with Annie, but I do know that there have been some athletes in other sports that have said they felt weakened. And hey, I can't really doubt them as it's their body and only they would know. That being said, if you speak to a doctor, most of them will tell you that the amount of blood taken will have no real physical impact on an athlete. More than anything, the belief that you're weakened is simply mental, but again, if you strongly believe something, chances are, you're going to feel it too. It's kind of like someone talking themselves into being sick; if they say it enough, they'll start to believe that they actually have symptoms, even though a doctor won't actually find anything physically wrong with them. But again, you can't really fault someone for their beliefs.
Why not question Floyds motives for the testing in the first place. I find it hard to believe that someone who skips a deposition and pokes gate security officers in the cheek honestly intends to clean up the sport of boxing. If he cant prove his allegations in the deposition then why have the tests at all. From the outside looking in it appears that Floyd Mayweather isnt really all that great of a person but who am I to judge. This fight should have happened allready if only Floyd hadnt asked for the tests in the first place. Instead he judges from the outside looking in. - CJ
BT: What is there to question really? I think it's pretty clear that Floyd Mayweather is of the opinion that there are individuals in this sport who have used PEDs in the past, who are using PEDs during the present, and who will likely try to use PEDs in the future. Who he may or may not suspect is irrelevant if he intends for every one of his opponents to subject themselves to the same type of testing that he's taking. And why would he have to prove his opinion is correct in order to request more stringent testing in the first place? Last time I checked, you don't have to prove someone is a liar in order to ask them to take a lie detector test. This sport, as well as many others, has a history of athletes with a track record of using PEDs. Heck, even in mixed martial arts - which is a different sport, but still subject to the same type of drug testing procedures administered by the exact same athletic commissions - there have been some fighters that have been caught multiple times only AFTER their fights have already taken place. I think that fact alone is reason enough for any fighter to have some concern about the thoroughness of the athletic commission's testing procedures.
I question the timing of these demands. Isnt it possible that Floyd and his father figure Manny wouldnt accept these demands and are using randomized drug testing as a way out of a difficult fight?
BT: There's no way anyone from Team Mayweather could have predicted the reaction from the other side when the request was first made, which was actually one of the first requests made. Traditionally in boxing, the easiest way for a fighter to get out of a fight is to price himself out of it. Don't you think if Floyd truly didn't want the fight, he never would have agreed to a 50/50 purse split? Why make up an issue like random blood testing when you can just continue to demand a bigger cut of the purse? I think you might be reaching a little with that thought.
Mr Thompson, Keep up the good work on clarifying the events leading up to the failed talks between the Mayweather and Pacquiao camps. Since you have access to Floyd Mayweather, I'm hoping you can answer a question I have: one that has bugged me the past two months.. Do you think Floyd really watched the Lady Gaga special on HBO on the night of May 7th rather than tuning into Pacquiao/Mosley on Showtime? - QC
BT: Thanks QC. Actually, if memory serves me correctly, I think Floyd actually told me that he went out to the movies on that night. He may have DVR'd the Lady Gaga concert, but on Sunday after the fight, I definitely remember him telling me that he watched Iron Man 2 on Saturday. Either way, I can assure you that he do not contribute to the pay-per-view buys for Pacquiao-Mosley.
So now that we have all this drama in Team Pacquiao about mismanagement of funds, I believe that the Mayweather showdown will never happen! It was clear to everyone who actually KNOWS boxing that Arum and Knocz did not want to throw PacMan in with Mayweather until they were done milking him! Now with all the financial drama in Team Pacquiao, I believe Manny will price himself out of the fight by demanding the same money that Floyd will receive for a potential showdown, forgetting that he has a promoter and Floyd does not! And then, the fireworks will really begin because instead of Mayweather vs Pacquiao, we could be headed to court for Pacquiao vs Top Rank! Which could lead to Manny splitting from Top Rank just like Oscar De La Hoya and Mayweather! And the only winner in that battle is Golden Boy Promotions! Until then, I guess Mayweather vs Khan will be a fine substitute! BTW how do you feel about that Zab Judah acting job! What a quitter! I've never seen so much quitting in boxing in my entire life! Mosley, Haye, Alexander, Judah. CJ (Norfolk, Va Gooooooooo ODU Monarchs)
BT: Believe it or not, CJ, but I actually think this will help expedite the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao showdown. The only way for Bob Arum to continue "milking" Pacquiao is to keep putting him in with Top Rank fighters. The fact that Pacquiao is now questioning his finances will make that more difficult for him to do. If Pacquiao thinks he's going to be making the same type of purses that Floyd Mayweather is making, he's in for a rude awakening, particularly when he's giving up a percentage to both Bob Arum and Golden Boy Promotions. I wouldn't be surprised if VisionQwest's involvement in Manny Pacquiao's accounting and contract reviews is part of a much larger picture, a picture that those closest to Pacquiao are hoping will not include Bob Arum. Like Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya before him, who both started making much more money once they left Bob Arum, it would not surprise me to find out that the ultimate goal for Manny Pacquiao is to get out of his contract with Arum prior to landing the mega-fight with Mayweather. Whether or not he can actually pull that off remains to be seen, however, there's definitely a reason why VisionQwest is reviewing all of his contracts dating back to 2005. That being said, the minute that any fighter has ever questioned Bob Arum, that's usually when he's quick to throw them to the wolves, almost as if he's teaching them a lesson. So assuming that both guys win their next fight, I think the mega-fight is actually a little bit closer to happening than you think. As for Zab, hey, I'm not going to speak on what was going through his mind as he kneeled on the canvas in "pain" from the "low blow", but judging how the fight was going up until that point, it didn't look like the outcome was going to be that much different. I'll let the fans decide what they thought about his performance, but in my opinion, his days of making six-figure purses are over...at least I think.
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