Manny Pacquiao ?knows what is at stake? in his comeback fight against Brandon Rios on Nov. 24 in Macau, the Filipino fighter?s Canadian adviser said yesterday.
Koncz?s statements came on the heels of a declaration by trainer Freddie Roach about his desire to force Pacquiao to retire in the event Rios succeeds in knocking him out in their welterweight war at The Venetian Resort and Casino.
But Roach?s peppery quotes are not exactly new, according to Koncz, stressing that ?he?s been saying that the last two years and I understand where he is coming from.?
Roach, however, insists that Pacquiao is going to bounce back versus Rios in their scheduled 12 rounder at the Cotai Arena.
Koncz shares Roach?s sentiments and believes Pacquiao will resurrect his career against the rugged Rios with ?a fabulous win and not just a 12-round (decision) win.?
Ringsiders have began counting out Pacquiao specially after blowing away a winning fight against Mexican pride Juan Manuel Marquez last December.
But Koncz is upbeat that Rios? aggressive style is custom-built for Pacquiao?s bewildering hit-and-run tactic.
?I see it as something like the (Antonio) Margarito fight,? said Koncz.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum has Pacquiao under contract ?through 2014? but declines to say what?s down the road for Pacquiao, who will be a couple of weeks shy of his 35th birthday by the time he meets Rios.
?We?re taking it one fight at a time,? said Arum, noting the unpredictability of the fight game and citing Marquez?s surreal sixth-round knockout victory over Pacquiao.
It is believed that Top Rank will try to cash in on Pacquiao?s popularity by bringing him to exotic locales like Macau and even Singapore in the tailend of a legendary career.
But for that to happen, Pacquiao has to make waves against Rios.
?Manny knows he has to win big,? said Koncz.
If not, it?ll certainly be curtain-call for him. (Nick Giongco)
