Late Thursday evening, world-class trainer Freddie Roach revealed that Manny Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, is currently in negotiations to secure a March or April showdown with undefeated pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather. Upon hearing the news, FightHype.com reached out to Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe to find out if there was any truth to Roach’s claim. “That is a complete bunch of bullshit. If and when Floyd Mayweather fights, he will decide who, when and where, because he is his own boss,” Ellerbe commented, making it clear that there have been absolutely no discussions between Michael Koncz or any representative of Team Mayweather regarding the potential mega-fight taking place early next year.
When asked why Roach might make such a statement, Ellerbe opined that perhaps certain individuals in Team Pacquiao are hoping to use Mayweather’s name to ensure Pacquiao moves forward with a planned December 8th clash with Juan Manuel Marquez, a fight that has yet to be signed by Pacquiao despite reports. “In my opinion, it seems as though his team is trying to lure Manny Pacquiao into a Marquez fight with the promise that a Floyd Mayweather fight has already been negotiated, which like I said is a complete bunch of bullshit,” Ellerbe explained.
It’s unclear if Roach is a willing participate in the charade or if he too is being given false information, however, if Pacquiao is indeed being told that a fight with Mayweather is nearly finalized for April, perhaps someone close to him may want to enlighten him about the truth.
