The official website of Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has been hacked according to Timothy James, co-owner of mp8.ph, the official name of the website. In response to a query from this writer, James said the hacking happened right after a press release was posted in the site a few days ago in connection with the controversy surrounding the sacking of Michael Koncz, the Canadian adviser of Manny Pacquiao and Manager of MP Boxing, Pacquiao’s promotional outfit. Hacking refers to unauthorized access to computer resources such as websites or database using software-based tools or systems. Koncz was reportedly sacked by Pacquiao for a “litany of missteps and blunders that has affected the boxing icon and his boxing promotional outfit.”, Manny Pinol of Philboxing.com wrote. The reported sacking of Koncz and his alleged replacement by Los Angeles-based management, accounting and auditing firm VisionQwest, has created media firestorm in last couple of days, resulting in the exchange of harsh statements by members of Team Pacquiao and a number of popular boxing writers. These unfortunate incidents may have something to do with the hacking of the mp8.ph website. According to James, he has instructed his web master to gather as much information on the recent hacking incident. James stated that his technical staff was able to block the first attack but was unsuccessful in blocking it on the second attempt by the hackers. “We are rebuilding it now, including taking better measures to protect it.” James said James also clarified that the website address is mp8.ph and not mp8.com. James did not say if the rebuilt website will carry the same website address and when it will be relaunched.
