Fight Hype Essentially Admits They Blew The "Koncz Is Fired" Story

I agree on this. There seem to be real issues with how the operation is being run, in my opinion.

Someone needs to deal with that and clean things up, I think.

It's not a huge surprise, given the size of the entourage and that you're on two different continents. But, it's something that could benefit, I believe, from a bit of a clean up.

 

Arum has been in the game a long time. He'll go, get the deal points done, etc. If people think he's taking too big of a cut, then renegotiate it. If you don't want to fight primarily Top Rank fighters, then you may have to sign somewhere else.

I don't know what Koncz does or doesn't do. I really can't comment on him. There are stories out there, and he does seem to rub some the wrong way. I have no idea if that's true or not.

The problem here, I think, is that the tail is wagging the dog. That is, you have possible fringe-players like Timothy James going and possibly opening their mouth or potentially trying to have public power struggles with people likely higher up the chain. That's junk. You can't have that stuff out there, in my opinion. Ariza told "Fight Hype" that Koncz didn't know his role. Does Ariza know his? Did/Does James know his? I'm not certain of that.

Power struggles happen, especially around someone as powerful and apparently laid-back as Pacquiao seems to be. Arum says it reminds him of the Ali days. I believe that, and I could see that. Pacquio has huge, huge plans ahead, and so many people want to get in on the action at the ground level, now. I get that. But whoever is most trusted in that circle needs to start taking the reins, I think, and separating the wheat from the chafe, so to speak.

There are plenty of people and outlets that aren't looking out for Pacquiao, in my opinion. That means he needs to have one or several lieutenants who will keep things in order to make sure things stay out of the public view and under control. Right now, that doesn't seem to be the case. Hopefully, it gets fixed soon.

 

I really admire King for what he was able to make out of himself coming from what and where he did. I respect that.

On the other hand, I think King is one of the most low-down promoters I can recall. I feel he can be quite the swindler.

King is a brilliant guy, he really is. It's not easy to get to the place where he got to, and you have to give him props for doing so.

Would I want him to promote me? Nope, or only for a very limited time when I was in my prime and I had a very clear, thorough contract.

 

I think Arum is looking beyond boxing and towards Pacquiao's political career. I believe he does not want to put Pacquiao in with someone whom he feels could beat Pacquiao.

I understand the thinking on the strategy, even if it is a letdown for fans.

At one time, I feel certain both Pacquiao and Arum desperately wanted to fight Mayweather. But I think that time has passed.