Pacquiao watches Mayweather fight tapes, says Koncz

MANILA, Philippines – Michael Koncz, the adviser of Manny Pacquiao, revealed the Filipino boxing icon studies Floyd Mayweather Jr through old footage of his fights as he continues to prepare for the long-awaited bout against the unbeaten American boxer on May 2 (May 3 in Manila).

According to Koncz, Pacquiao does not typically watch past bouts of his opponents as he normally relies on the instructions of his longtime trainer Freddie Roach once he steps into the ring.

“This is the first time in 10 years with Manny that I have seen him watch video tapes of a fight,” he said in an interview during Pacquiao’s media workout on Thursday, April 16. “He never watched tapes before. He usually adjusts in the ring or listens to Freddie.”

The Canadian consultant also stressed that the usually-amiable Pacquiao has ill-feelings towards Mayweather due to the latter’s brash reputation, which could have triggered the Pinoy pugilist’s fierce focus in training camp.

“He has an extra motivation for this fight. Manny will never admit it, but there have been a lot of accusations towards him. I don’t want to say dislike, but [Pacquiao has this] disrespect for Floyd because of what he has done in the past,” Koncz disclosed.

Pacquiao filed a lawsuit against Mayweather in December 2009, seeking unspecified damages based on allegations that the American defamed him by suggesting the Filipino used performance-enhancing substances.

However, the federal defamation case was settled by both camps three years later.

Mayweather also has a history of domestic violence as he spent two months at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada in June 2012 for a physical altercation with Josie Harris, mother to three of his four children.

Meanwhile, his ex-fiancée Shantel Jackson sued Mayweather in September 2014, seeking damages and alleging invasion of privacy, assault, battery and defamation.

“Manny said it numerous times that person (Mayweather) is not a good role model,” Koncz stated.

With less than two weeks away from the heavily-hyped showdown, Koncz believes that Pacquiao is already in top shape and prepared to compete at a high level.

“The training camp has been great. Everything has gone as planned. Manny is really focused. He is mentally, physically and spiritually ready for this fight,” he shared. – Rappler.com