Koncz: $5 million fine is fine

MANILA, Philippines - Branded as a publicity stunt by the opposite camp, Manny Pacquiao’s demand for a $5 million penalty for a failed drug test still makes sense to his adviser.

Michael Koncz has taken shots after he announced the other day that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has rejected the $5 million penalty for a failed test.

“Again, it makes perfect sense to me to have a monetary compensation for the party that’s affected by the testing,” he told The STAR.

Mayweather’s adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, called Koncz an “idiot” for raising the issue when all is set for the biggest fight of all.

The fight contract has been signed a month ago and both boxers are deep in training and had undergone a couple of drug tests.

To the Mayweather camp, there’s no point inserting a $5 million penalty now because both fighters are aware of the dire consequences.

The US Anti-Doping Agency can impose a hefty fine on either boxer that tests positive for any illegal substance. On top of it is a four-year ban.

At their late age, a four-year ban is like a death sentence for either Pacquiao or Mayweather.

In any case, the Nevada State Athletic Commission will also step in.

Even Bob Arum is against the extra fine. He told FightHype.com that he assured Pacquiao he would get more than $5 million if Mayweather failed a test.

If either fighter fails a test before the fight, it could mean that the fight is off. And it could lead to a multi-million-dollar court case.

Koncz wants immediate compensation for the aggrieved fighter – whether it’s Pacquiao or Mayweather.

“If somebody tests positive the commission will take action. They will fine the individual and the fine goes to the commission,” he said on the phone.

“It doesn’t go to the fighter. And the drug-testing company has the right to suspend somebody for a period of up to four years if he tests positive,” he said.

Koncz cited Brandon Rios is an example after the Mexican-American failed a drug test immediately after his fight with Pacquiao in November 2013.

Pacquiao pummeled Rios for 12 rounds at the Cotai Arena in Macau.

Rios failed a post-fight urinalysis. He contested the findings and insisted that he’s clean but was still suspended for five months.

“Brandon Rios tested positive after the fight and the commission suspended him for four or six months and fined him but there was no benefit to Manny,” said Koncz.

“It’s very disappointing and somewhat surprising that Floyd says he wants to clean up the sport but then what’s wrong with entering into an agreement with the other fighter,” Koncz added.