Pacquiao fight not pushing through? Not true, says Koncz

MANILA, Philippines — It’s 22 days before Manny Pacquiao’s scheduled ring return against Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur, and Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, the lead promoter, is reportedly in a fix – money-wise. 

ESPN.com reported that MP Promotions is $2 million short in funds that would make the fight push through as planned, as scheduled, as promised.

The report said Pacquiao’s side has missed deadlines delivering cash, including the purse for Matthysse, which by now should be in escrow until the day of the fight.

Pacquiao continued to go through the rigors of training, simply shrugging off reports from the US that his fight with the WBA champion from Argentina is in peril and may be called off. 

“No problem,” said the 39-year-old Pacquiao after sparring 10 rounds last Thursday at his Wild Card Gym in General Santos City. 

But the buzz is yes, there is a problem.

Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Promotions has been limited to broadcasting and not promoting the fight, has aired serious doubts. 

Arum had even laid out Plan B – not for Pacquiao but for Matthysse, whom he could pit against Top Rank fighter Terence Crawford in the fall.

That’s if Pacquiao-Matthysse falls apart.

Pacquiao’s ring adviser, Mike Koncz, however, told philstar.com the fight is going to happen. 

“Our fight will push through as I spoke to Manny an hour ago,” said Koncz. 

“When the fight happens, all these doubters can eat their words,” he told philstar.com.