Is Ernie Sanchez?s February 15th US bout in jeopardy because of Michael Koncz?
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Feb 2014
The February 15 card headlining 10 round contest between Filipino super featherweight Ernie Sanchez and Diego Magdaleno of Las Vegas may not happen because of Manny Pacquiao?s adviser.
Michael Koncz, Pacquiao?s right hand man with regards to his boxing matters, is reportedly blocking Sanchez from fighting in the United States next week.
This according to Sanchez?s manager, Brico Santig of Highland Boxing, same manager of newly crowned IBO light flyweight champ, Rey Loreto.
Sanchez, 22, of General Santos City, a province mate of Pacquiao is in danger of losing an opportunity to get back to the winning track and be a headliner in a fight that will be shown in the US and Mexico this Saturday by TV network Unimas because Koncz is apparently using his influence with Top Rank in denying the Filipino fighter to fly and fight in the States as per Santig.
Sanchez was already cleared by the Games and Amusement Board of the Philippines (GAB) for this overseas fight and has already in his possession, a pair of round trip tickets to Los Angeles until a Top Rank representative sent his manager notice last week that the fight is not a done deal.
Santig blames Koncz in the recent change of plans.
Koncz, a Canadian citizen, seem to exert heavy influence on Top Rank not only on matters that pertain to Pacquiao but also fights that involve other Filipino boxers. He also handles the dealings of MP Promotions, Pacquiao?s promotional outfit.
Koncz, apparently because of his influence with Top Rank, has the final say on who will fight in the undercard of Pacquiao?s fight, an event Filipino boxers and boxing managers want to be a part of, because of how big a card it is.
Sanchez formerly fought under MP Promotions, twice in 2012 under Pacquiao?s card when he was still with his former manager, Rey Golingan. Sanchez complained to this author that he was not paid what was promised him in those two fights in June and December of 2012 in Las Vegas.
Sanchez switched managers last year and is now fighting under Santig?s Highland Boxing. He was supposed to leave Manila next Tuesday, February 11th, with his trainer and manager, but that is on hold for now.
Santig maintains that he is Sanchez?s official and registered manager and that Koncz should have no part in any matters that pertain to the Filipino super featherweight in fights here and abroad.
Sanchez expressed disappointment about the recent events regarding his upcoming fight. The General Santos fighter told Philboxing that he has trained hard for this fight and is ready to prove himself against a tough foe in Magdaleno.
?Oo sir, sobrang disappointed sir, kasi pinag-hahandaan ko ito, ang laban ko sir.? Sanchez said.
(Yes sir, I am really disappointed sir, because I prepared really well for this fight sir.)
?Sir sa tingin ko hindi naman yan tama sir. Kasi bilang boxer dito kami nagkakaroon ng chance na ma- world rated at balang araw (ay) makalaban sa world championship.? added a disenchanted Sanchez.
(Sir, I don?t think that is right sir. Because as a boxer, this is when we get the chance to be rated in the world and someday fight for a world championship.)
Sanchez may not get that chance.
(This author tried to get to interview Michael Koncz in New York last Thursday during the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley 2 press conference regarding this subject, but was unable to.)
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com and on Twitter @Freemazon910.
Photo: Ernie Sanchez (L) in action against Hilarion.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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