By Ronnie Nathanielsz
American boxing agent Michael Koncz yesterday revealed that beaten WBC minimum weight challenger Rodel Mayol will try to pick up the pieces after his first defeat following 22 wins, 17 by knockout, at the hands of Japan-based Thai world champion Eagle Kyowa by training at the Wild Card Gym of celebrated trainer Freddie Roach.
In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, Koncz said he had spoken to Roach who agreed to take him under his wing after listening to Koncz’ report on how and why he believed Mayol lost in his title bid.
Koncz who manages flyweight Diosdado Gabi who lost in a world title fight against hard-hitting Australian Vic Darchinyan earlier this year and has helped several Filipino boxers including Bobby Pacquiao land lucrative fight contracts in the US said he believes Mayol could still become a world champion after watching his fight at ringside in Tokyo. Koncz said Mayol clearly lacked proper training in preparation for the Kyowa fight and the corner did a poor job during the fight.
Mayol’d former manager Terry Carter who was also in Tokyo to watch the fight said he was “very disappointed” and that clearly the lack of training cost the former undefeated OPBF champion a chance to win the title.
Carter said trainer Brix Flores had left Mayol and gone on holiday during Holy Week and for several weeks Mayol was “left alone” to train by himself and that several changes in the training camp schedule clearly hurt Mayol’s confidence. Mayol who is still in Japan is expected return to Manila on May 10.
