Top fight manager Shelly Finkel has denied the claim of Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum that his managerial deal with Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao ended last August.
In an email to Fightnews, Finkel also lambasted Canadian agent Mike Koncz for “living in Manny’s house filling him with lies.”
“My contract did not end in August,” said Finkel.
Finkel refused to discuss further details about his current pact with Pacquiao.
It has been widely reported that Finkel’s deal with Pacquiao is set to end in January of next year.
Finkel added that Golden Boy Promotion’s lawsuit against Top Rank is not all about money damages but is also about the upholding of their seven-fight deal with Pacquiao.
“GBP is not only a monetary deal. GBP is for 7 fights,” revealed Finkel.
Finkel, along with trainer Freddie Roach, joined Pacquiao in celebration of his birthday, christening of daughter Mary Divine Grace and blessing of their multi-million home last December 17 in General Santos City.
While in General Santos, Finkel, with the help of Roach, worked on an extension with his deal with Pacquiao but the boxer reportedly asked for a halt in any dealings up to the end of the year.
“I am very disappointed in Manny. He knows as everyone else does how I helped him. I really care about him, but lately he is too embarrased to take my calls,” said Finkel in the same email.
Arum, who flew to the Philippines Tuesday morning (Manila Times), finally convinced Pacquiao to state his preference for Top Rank over De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) in their sulky promotional litigation.
Pacquiao made the announcement in a hastily called press conference Thursday afternoon at the Champagne Room of the historic Manila Hotel.
Arum claimed that Finkel and Pacquiao signed a mutual waiver before the Grand Finale against Erik “El Terrible” Morales last November 18 after Finkel was assured he would get 20 percent of Pacquiao’s purse of $3million.
“Bob Arum is wrong and he knows it. The GBP contract is better for Manny,” added Finkel “He was glad I wasn’t in his meetings because I would not have allowed Manny to sign a second agreement and get into lawsuits.”
The court battle started after Pacquiao signed two promotional deals, first with De La Hoya in September, then with Arum immediately after his bout with Morales last November.
Finkel also reacted to a suggestion of Arum that Pacquiao does not need a manager at this point of his career.
“Arum says Manny doesn’t need a manager, only a lawyer and an accountant who he could manipulate,” said Finkel. “If Manny was to realize what a mistake he is making I would be there in a second for him.”
