Pacman’s adviser plans to sue doctor

source: manilastandardtoday.com

Manny Pacquiao’s adviser is contemplating legal action against the neurologist, who claimed that the Filipino ring icon had shown early signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Koncz responded to a query from the Manila Standard after neurologist and president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Dr. Rustico Jimenez said he had noticed Pacquiao’s hand twitching and stuttering from watching him on television.

Michael Koncz

Dr. Jimenez conceded he could be wrong in his observations, since he had not personally examined Pacquiao, but went on to urge the national sports hero to follow the pleas of many others, including his wife Jinkee and his mother Dionisia to hang up his gloves following his crushing sixth-round knockout at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez last Dec. 8.

“What is the name of this alleged well-known doctor as we are contemplating a civil suit for merit-less and unfounded accusations?” Koncz asked this writer.

He added: “Tell me, how can one make such allegations based on mere speculation as I am not aware that this alleged doctor ever examined Manny, yet he makes such a diagnosis. It’s amazing what people will do to get media coverage. Anyway, I am done responding to this ludicrous diagnosis and we shall quietly enjoy our remaining time in Israel.”

However, Pacquiao’s longtime friend and confidant — promoter and boxing manager Rex “Wakee” Salud said the doctor “is entitled to his opinion, because after all, he is a neurologist, who knows, even as others are also entitled to their opinion.”

However, Salud maintained he personally “didn’t notice any signs of twitching or stammering.”
Salud, just like Dr. Jimenez, supported an earlier suggestion by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, in an interview with the Manila Standard after Pacquiao’s loss to Marquez that he should have a thorough brain evaluation at the world famous Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Brain Center in Las Vegas.

Salud also said he supports the position that Pacquiao should retire.

“He has achieved everything and nobody can equal what he has done. The people who want him to retire are those who really care for him,” said Salud.

Dr. Jimenez urged Pacquiao to undergo a battery of tests in the US just to make sure. He said there are several neurological centers in the US, where he could undergo tests such as PET Scans and the like. The neurologist noted there are chemical tests that could be undertaken which are “very complicated and not available here” in the Philippines.

Both the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Filipino doctors have cleared Pacquiao following tests conducted after the Marquez fight, but because of head traumas suffered over 17 years of boxing against such big and strong fighters as Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Margarito and his three fights against Erik Morales and two fights with Marco Antonio Barrera, he needs a complete brain checkup.

“We don’t want him wheelchair bound. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, once it hits, it will continue and we don’t want that to happen to our source of national pride,” Dr. Jimenez stressed.

His unsolicited advise from a doctor’s viewpoint is “it would be best if he retires, because the more blows to the head he gets, the bigger the chance of getting the disease.”

source: manilastandardtoday.com