Pacquiao assures fight with Matthysse will happen

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s fight with WBA welterweight titlist Lucas Matthysse will go on as planned on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, despite claims that the bout is in serious jeopardy.

In a text message to Philstar.com, Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said the Filipino icon himself gave him the assurance.

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

Reports about the fight being in danger have been circulating the past few days, citing financial problems. A story by ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael claimed that Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, which is promoting the event, is still $2 million short in funds.

The report said it’s been a month since Pacquiao’s side has missed the deadline for delivering the rest of the money. MP Promotions has reportedly made an initial payment of $500,000 to the camp of Matthysse and event co-promoter Golden Boy Promotions.

Koncz did not clarify the promotions’ financial status, but he expressed confidence that everything is in order.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s former promoter Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Inc. will handle the fight’s TV broadcast in the US, has expressed uncertainty in the bout pushing through.

Arum even went as far as saying he’s ready to offer Matthysse a crack at Top Rank star Terence Crawford in case the Argentine’s title defense against Pacquiao gets cancelled.

"I don't know what's going to happen with the fight, but if it doesn't happen, I would hope to talk to Golden Boy about having Matthysse fight Crawford," Arum said in the same ESPN.com report.

Crawford recently turned himself into a major player in the 147-pound division after knocking out Jeff Horn to become the new WBO welterweight champion.

Pacquiao and Matthysse, for their part, continue training at their respective camps in General Santos City and Indio, California, hardly showing any concern.

Koncz, for his part, made a parting shot to critics.

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