Koncz's positioning resembling '48 Laws of Power'
Alex Ariza vs. Michael Koncz as undercard on Manny Pacquiao's "Firepower" match with Miguel Cotto. Ariza won round 1. But instead, the Ariza vs. Koncz bout is a round robin boxing tournament (like the Super Six Middleweight tournament) dubbed "Power Grab." (New York-based boxing scribe Michael Marley reports Manny Pacquiao Coach Alex Ariza: Why I punched out Michael Koncz).
The ring bout "Power Grab" is not promoted by Bob Arum this time, each participant fighter is self-promoted. After losing round 1 to conditioning coach Alex Ariza, Canadian Koncz might face American Freddie Roach and Filipino rising star Buboy Fernandez.
Not "Firepower" But "Power Grab"
Ahh, the "black arts." If allegations are accurate of a long implemented positioning scheme by advisor Mike - and we use the word IF, to provide a benefit of the doubt - the maneuvers are straight out of the classic book written by Robert Greene "The 48 Laws of Power."
In Marley's detailing, as presented by members of Team Manny, are accurate then the internal royal courtesan struggles involve anything from hotel reservations, ringside credentials, fight corner participation as obstacles to the principal boss - national treasure. According to the report, even Jinkee Pacquiao is feeling the "heebie-jeebies." Freddie Roach might require a new assistant to book his travels, as the Virgil-like mentor was left out of a Baguio hotel spot.
Et tu . . . in my wallet . . . Brute?
The critical question might be: how close is Koncz to Manny's wallet? Mutiny might erupt if the hand sneaks in and grabs a hold of paper from Buboy, Freddie, Alex, and company's monetary position. In the famous line of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, "Et tu Brute?"
The Risks to Manny Pacquiao
a.) Has Team Pacquiao been infiltrated by spies?
The media typically has tentacles inside an army encampment. So can the enemy. Sun Tzu advocates the use of spies and double agents as a cheap way to defeat your enemy. If money is the single-minded obsession of the supposed power grab, it would be surprisingly easy to sell fight strategies, injuries, and highly sensitive insights to Miguel Cotto's camp. $100,000 "gift" is a drop in the bucket for a $10 million purse and a prospective #1 pound-for-pound ranking. You say betrayal is impossible? I suggest you attempt to set up a one-on-one interview with any international leader.
b.) Mutiny and the drawing of lines on the sand
Favoritism is the beginning of marking territory. Personal flags. If a demoralizing ingredient is introduced to the group, you can have a mutiny and team blow-up. Unfortunately, sensitive information on the Filipino icon can be leaked as retaliatory moves.
48 Laws of Power
For detailing on the allegations, we highlight the blueprint for a coup d'etat found in Robert Greene's famous work, partly derived from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," as adapted for the modern courtesan.
Law 1: Never Outshine the Master
"Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. "
By playing this card, you make people believe that you are an inferior. That way, they don't feel as threatened. You can keep your smarts and schemes to yourself.
Law 2: Never put too Much Trust in Friends, Learn how to use Enemies
"Be wary of friends-they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical."
If the reports are true, the Koncz ingredient has placed distrust within the team. Trust is the hardest thing to regain. For many people, it is impossible to regain trust after you've lost it.
Law 3: Conceal your Intentions
"Keep people off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind your actions."
Self-explanatory. What are the real motivations? Money. Positioning up the ladder demands a higher monetary structure. And possible recurring access to the wallet. Unfortunately, there are lots of ways for insiders to get money in boxing. You can do an inside job on a sparring partner and get a kickback. You can sell strategies. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to detect.
Law 7: Get others to do the Work for you, but Always Take the Credit
"Use the wisdom, knowledge, and legwork of other people to further your own cause."
Move over Freddie, you need to get fired as coach, according to the courtesan. Move over Alex Ariza, no access for you. And you will not be in the corner.
Law 8: Make other People come to you – use Bait if Necessary
"When you force the other person to act, you are the one in control."
You want access to the locker room, come to me. I have the wristbands. The gatekeeper holds the keys. People have to go to him.
Law 11: Learn to Keep People Dependent on You
"Never teach them enough so that they can do without you."
You cannot cash your paycheck unless I sign it. You must go through me if you want to be with Manny, or if you want to get paid. You know you have power when people are dependent on you.
Candidate Pacquiao's future in politics hinges on competent aides
PART TWO
Law 15: Crush your Enemy Totally
"The enemy will recover, and will seek revenge. Crush him, not only in body but in spirit."
Self explanatory. In the ways of the courtesan, digging up dirt on your foe is one of the ways to crush him. He then becomes beholden to you.
Law 24: Play the Perfect Courtier
"The perfect courtier thrives in a world where everything revolves around power and political dexterity."
Smile for pics. Be gracious around the principal and his friends. Keep smiling. The naive think that smiles translate to you being a nice person - they do not see beneath the surface. So smile. Sing at karaokes. And smile while singing, just like a shiny politician. They cannot see the horns on your head.
Law 31: Control the Options: Get Others to Play with the Cards you Deal
"Force them to make choices between the lesser of two evils, both of which serve your purpose."
Options A, B, and C all benefit the courtesan. He will not present options D and E to you or the principal, even though they are most favorable to your interests. Simple. If you deal the cards, you control the cards that the recipient sees. Manny is too busy to see "all the cards" he may have missed out on.
Law 33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew
"Everyone has a weakness, a gap in the castle wall. That weakness is usual y an insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or need; it can also be a small secret pleasure. Either way, once found, it is a thumbscrew you can turn to your advantage."
Why is the courtesan around despite the rejection of the team? Is he holding Manny hostage? Is there an embarassing secret that is remaining hidden in public view that would otherwise be disclosed? The courtesan entrenches himself by finding out what is important to the principal, who in this case is Pacquiao. That thumbscrew is his image. He is running for congress in a few months. No matter how famous, rich, or successful, everyone has a weakness. Drinking, women, gambling, ego, public perceptions. No one is perfect. If you can affect that image, you become invincible within the team. Invincible.
Law 42: Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep will Scatter
"Trouble can often be traced to a single strong individual . . . . Strike at the source of the trouble and the sheep will scatter."
Roach is the shepherd.
Early Conclusions:
As Manny Pacquiao enters politics, he will have to interface with people with 10x the sophistication of any courtesan within his current group. It is a different game. And also one with a much more magnified effect. At that time, many of his opponents will have much more resources than he.
