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Koncz says it’s 50-50 in Bobby-Soto bout

April 28, 2007 | 4:42am

WBC No. 2 superfeatherweight contender Humberto Soto of Mexico is heavily favored to beat Bobby Pacquiao in their 10-round bout at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 9 but Canadian boxing consultant Michael Koncz said yesterday he’s not discounting an upset.
 "I think Bobby’s chances are 50-50," said Koncz who is employed by Pacquiao’s older brother Manny as an adviser. "Soto has difficulty fighting southpaws. If Bobby is focused and mentally and physically prepared, he can pull an upset. It won’t be easy but Bobby showed he can find ways to win when he beat (Carlos) Navarro, (Carlos) Hernandez and (Kevin) Kelley."
 In a long distance phone call from Los Angeles, Koncz said Pacquiao’s right jab is his best weapon to stymie Soto. "He’s got to box the guy," he added. "He can’t lose his cool. He can’t fight Soto’s fight. If Bobby fights smart, he’ll win."
 Koncz said Pacquiao was lined up to fight in a small Houston card this month when Top Rank chairman Bob Arum offered the bout against Soto in the undercard of the Miguel Angel Cotto-Zab Judah mainer for the WBA welterweight crown.
 "This is a big break for Bobby and his second chance after losing to (Hector) Velazquez by disqualification last year," said Koncz. "He would’ve been paid only $20,000 for the Houston fight. Now, he’s getting the biggest purse of his career."
 Pacquiao was paid $100,000 for facing Hernandez, a former world champion, two years ago. Against Soto, his dollar purse will also be in six figures. Koncz, however, declined to reveal the amount.
 "Bobby’s fight is part of the pay-per-view telecast," said Koncz. "After just a week, tickets are selling really well, second only to the Lewis-Holyfield fight at the Garden in 1999."
 Koncz said the initial plan was for Pacquiao to train at the Round One gym under Kenny Adams in Las Vegas to avoid distractions in Los Angeles.
 "We didn’t want what happened to Bobby in the Velazquez fight to happen again so I suggested to Manny and Bobby to move his training to Vegas," said Koncz. "We agreed to try it as early as two months before Manny’s fight against (Jorge) Solis."
 Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles from General Santos City last week, spent a night in Koncz’ Orange County home then drove to Las Vegas the next day. Pacquiao, Koncz and driver-cook Alex Oreto stayed in Dr. Jun Berberabe’s unoccupied four-bedroom home beside the Filipino physician’s mansion in Las Vegas. Dr. Berberabe was referred by Greg Asuncion, a Filipino from Los Angeles. Pacquiao worked out once at Round One and once at the Top Rank gym.
 "Bobby wasn’t comfortable in Vegas," said Koncz. "Round One is a fitness and kickboxing gym so it doesn’t have the smell of a professional boxing gym. I think Bobby found it too clean. Besides, Adams wasn’t around because he had a fight commitment out of town. We also tried the Top Rank gym but it was far from where we stayed. We talked about the situation and after consulting with Manny, went back to Los Angeles."
 Last Friday, Pacquiao reported for work at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood and sparred four rounds with unbeaten WBO interim lightweight champion Michael Katsidis of Australia. The other day, he went three rounds with Katsidis and three rounds with superlightweight David Rodela.
 Koncz denied reports that he’s banned from entering the Wild Card Gym because of a debt to Roach.
 "I never borrowed money from Freddie," said Koncz. "Maybe, the talk of a problem stemmed from all of us not getting paid for Bobby’s fight against Velazquez. But that was because Bobby was fined $25,000 for not making weight. None of us got paid and Bobby took home only about $15,000. I have no problem going in and out of Wild Card.
 "Justin (Fortune) is training Bobby now and Freddie will take over when he’s done with Oscar (de la Hoya). I help out in Bobby’s stomach exercises. We all work together as a team."
 Koncz clarified his role with the Pacquiao camp.
 "My loyalty and responsibility are to Manny," he said. "I get paid by Manny, nobody else. I work for Manny as an adviser and consultant. I understand some people don’t like me advising Manny but if I’ve gained his trust and confidence, it’s because I do what’s best only for him. I have no hidden agenda. I don’t do backroom deals. I clear everything with Manny. I will just continue to work hard with a clean heart, hands and mind and do the best I can for Manny and the other boxers we handle."