Ni Gilbert Espena

TULUYANG nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin nan pormal na ihayag kahapon ng tagapayo ni eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao na si Canadian Michael Koncz na ang depensa ng Pilipino laban kay No. 2 contender Jeff Horn ng Australia ay gaganapin sa Abril 23 sa United Arab Enirates.

Humingi na rin si Koncz ng paumanhin sa gobyerno ng Australia at sa boxing fans lalo sa Brisbane dahil sa pagbabago ng plano kaugnay ng laban.

“It took us a while to get this deal together,” sabi ni Koncz sa mga mamahayag sa Abu Dhabi kahapon. “There was a lot of confusion whether this is going to happen here in the UAE.”

Iginiit ni Koncz na may karapatan siyang makipag-negotiate kung pabor para sa Pilipino.

“[But] I’m here with full authority and power. I have been the marriage counsellor for Manny and we have developed a relationship. I’m involved in all aspects of what he does,” diin ni Koncz. “We have executed the agreement in the morning and 100 per cent the fight will be here in the UAE.”

Naunang inihayag ni Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, promoter ni Pacquiao na nakipagkasundo na siya sa promoter ni Horn na Duco Events para ganapin ang depensa ng Pinoy boxer sa Brisbane.

“Yes, there was news of the fight in Australia,” pag-amin ni Koncz. “The way we operate, I would say I’m transparent and I’m an honest guy. If you try to manipulate a situation you have to remember what you say, but if you say the truth you have to remember nothing.”

“I was aware that Bob was talking in Australia about hosting the fight there but it is fine with us. I told Bob to go ahead but don’t close it,” diin ni Koncz. “When Bob said it will happen there I asked him what you are talking about? A promoter works for the boxer but the boxer doesn’t work for the promoter.”

“We have had a successful bond with him but Manny is the boss. I told him why are you speaking to the media when it is just a backup plan,” dagdag ni Koncz. “I don’t have control over what Bob says, he talks a lot of stuff and I apologise to the people of Australia, their government there for all the confusion and also the fans here in the UAE.”

Ayon kay Koncz, si Al Afag tourism CEO Diaa Al Khatib ang magtataguyod ng sagupaan.

“We tried our best to finalise the deal for a year now and we are happy that it is through. Where it will be held, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, will be announced in a couple of weeks and Pacquiao will be there,” ani Koncz.