There is no doubt that Manny Pacquiao generates great love and respect from his mega-loyal following. Equal parts cultural icon, nationalistic legend, and sporting idol, the Filipino Phenom has energized his fans and has single-handedly brought in an entirely new fan base to the sport.
But, although Pacquiao is the first major boxing star of the internet age, some things never change about the dirty side of the prize fighting world. As is usually the case in a sport full of scoundrels and con men, the leeching hangers-on tend to gravitate to fighters who can generate big money. And the job of latching on to a star is made all the easier if the fighter in question is someone like Manny Pacquiao, who enjoys the company of a large entourage and, apparently, has a tough time saying “no” to those who have made his circle of confidence.
While the back and forth reports regarding the position of adviser Michael Koncz in Team Pacquiao are a source of confusion, what we do know is this:
* Manny saw fit to hire an outside firm to handle all business dealings and go over past contracts. * Manny’s reported net worth is a ridiculously low figure of about $26 million, including all sources of revenue, real estate, and other assets. * Whether in, out, or somewhere in between, Michael Koncz has been an issue and a topic of serious discussion within Team Pacquiao during recent weeks.
All of this points to the fact that Pacquiao, just like countless other professional fighters over the last century, is being taken advantage of by the same crew who now profess loyalty and love for the future Hall of Famer. And one day, if Manny does fall victim to bad finances, the hangers-on will abandon Manny at the same rate his bank account is depleted.
