Manny Pacquiao Faces Toughest Opponent By Far - Tax Case; Bob Arum Defends Pacquiao’s Financial Adviser Canadian Michael Koncz
Manny Pacquiao faces what might be his toughest opponent by far, but not in the boxing ring. The Filipino boxer is currently facing a tax evasion case.
Only two days after Pacquiao's victory over Brandon Rios in their bout held in Macau, China, his celebration was cut short as the Philippines' Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had frozen his bank accounts as well as other assets.
As previously reported, Pacquiao has allegedly failed to prove that he has paid taxes in 2008 to 2009. These years cover the winnings of Pacquiao against Ricky Hatton and Oscar Dela Hoya, where he has seemingly took home guaranteed prize money worth $6 million and $12 million, respectively.
The Philippine government has stated that they are willing to negotiate with Pacquaio over his tax case. However, the boxer refused to comment and said that he would just let his lawyers deal with the case.
Now, Pacquiao's financial adviser, Canadian Michael Koncz, is being dragged in the case. Koncz once ignited a hullabaloo when he stated that the eight-division world boxing champion refuse to fight in the U.S. due to high taxes. This could be the reason why Pacquiao decided to take on Brandon Rios in China. Fighting in countries with lower tax rates is definitely a smart move.
Bob Arum, who is the current promoter of the Filipino boxer, was quick to defend Koncz.
"Michael Koncz has nothing whatever to do with this situation," said Arum. Arum stated that the only reason why this case is happening is because Pacquiao is not friends with the current administration. Furthermore, according to Arum, Koncz owns a company, which takes care of Manny's bills in the U.S. Arum also made it clear that if Pacquiao defaulted on his responsibilities, then he wouldn't have been able to fight in the U.S. because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be after him.
Pacquiao still fought in the U.S. in 2010 and 2011, against fighters Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, and Juan Manuel Marquez III.
Pacquiao's next fight is yet to be revealed, but Arum can confirm that the Filipino boxer will fight in the U.S. in 2014.
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