By Rafael Soto
Manny Pacquiao is quietly enjoying a long vacation with his family, and advisor Michael Konz, in Israel. He was surprised and upset with the statements made by Filipino neurologists Rustico Jimenez and Raquel Fortun, stating the fighter appeared to be displaying early signs of Parkinson’s disease.
According to Juan Carlos Torres, CEO of Zanfer Promotions [who promote Juan Manuel Marquez], he made a phone to Pacquiao and Konz to discuss the shocking medical claims that made the rounds in the media.
Pacquiao and Koncz were shocked and upset by the irresponsible statements of Fortun and Jimenez.
"Manny Pacquiao and Konz strongly deny the assertions of both doctors. They don't know them and have never met with either of them," Torres said.
Torres added that Pacquiao explained during the phone call that he underwent two rigorous head examinations - the first in Las Vegas and the other in the Philippines on December 12th - and he is 100% healthy.
"There is nothing to be worry about. I am 100% healthy and right now I'm enjoying this memorable vacation with my family in this beautiful country of Israel. I will return to the Philippines on January 14 and in early February I want to get to the gym because I want to have a fight in April and in September I want the fifth fight with Marquez," Pacquiao said.
"The statements by the doctors show a total lack of ethics and it was irresponsible [for them to say this]. This was just personal opinion and there were no medical tests."
In his last fight, on December 8, Pacquiao was knocked out in the sixth round by Marquez. It will likely be impossible for Pacquiao to fight in April, with the medical suspension due to the KO loss and the political campaign in May.
