Pacquaio's Adviser Responds To R. Donaire's Comments

By Lem Satterfield

Michael Koncz, the adviser to WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, doesn't agree with the recent comments that were made by Rachel Donaire, the wife of WBC and WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire. During a recent interview with krikya360.com, Rachel explained the reasons behind her husband breaking away from promoter Top Rank, and signing with rival outfit Golden Boy Promotions. Some of those reasons include the belief that Nonito was playing second-fiddle to Pacquiao, and the frustration of being denied spots on Pacquiao's undercards.

Koncz's Reaction To Hearing That Donaire is Playing Second-Fiddle To Pacquiao

"My reaction is that they are in two, totally different weight classes. If they were in the same weight class, then that would make sense. My reaction is that I have the utmost respect for Nonito Donaire as a person and as a fighter. I have no problems with him. But to make a comparison to Manny is totally out of line. It's like comparing apples to oranges."

Regarding Donaire's Inability To Fight on Pacquiao's Cards

"On the issue of putting him on the same cards as Manny, you know, that's a very simple issue. That was a business decision. We're MP Promotions, and we're the co-promoters of the event and Manny's fights with Top Rank Promotions. So we share in all of the expenses of the fight just as we share in the profits. So from a business perspective, it's ridiculous to put Manny on as the main event and an up and coming, top notch fighter on the card like Nonito Donaire with substantial expense in the purses for that fight."

"I'm assuming that that sort of fight, you know, depending on the opponent, the expenses for that fight could be anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million. There's no financial benefit to us as promoters because Manny would sell to every Philippine household. So, I mean, that's a pure business decision. That's all that it is. It's nothing personal. You know, and I think people who understand the world of boxing and people who understand the promotion and the business of boxing would understand that."

Regarding The Process of Selecting Boxers For Pacquiao's Undercards

"You know, MP Promotions is a co-promoter. That aspect of it is to make money. Manny Pacquiao is a boxer. He helps guys out by putting them on the undercard. But again, there has got to be a balance there. Even with our own guys [fighters for MP Promotions.]"

"Even our own guys, you know, the ones who are under contract with MP Promotions have never been put on the under cards of Manny for that simple reason. We've put some young guys on there because the purses that we have to pay are minimal. So it's strictly business."