Retired Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and the United States-based Paradigm Sports Management (PSM) are heading into a March trial in the United States for the former’s alleged contract breach.
PSM founder and chief executive Audie Attar, in a statement sent to the media on Thursday, expressed confidence that they will win the case against the 44-year-old Pacquiao.
“Manny’s days of thumbing his nose at our contractual rights are almost at an end. We have an overwhelming case against him and look forward to justice being served,” Attar said.
“The court has already entered an order stating that—due to his consistent violation of court orders—Pacquiao is now deemed to have admitted that he breached his contract with Paradigm and that Paradigm has suffered more than $20 million in damages,” he added.
The case against the Filipino ring icon stemmed after he signed a deal with PSM to fight Mikey Garcia in 2021, but Pacquiao opted to fight unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr.
The fight, however, still didn’t materialize due to an eye injury suffered by Spence, and Pacquiao instead ended up taking on replacement opponent Yordenis Ugas, who handily beat the Filipino boxer.
Attar further warned promoters, managers, fighters, and broadcast networks not to interfere with or enter into negotiations with Pacquiao with their lawsuit against the Filipino fighter ongoing.
“Once Paradigm wins at trial in March, we will cut off 100% of Manny’s opportunities to earn money in the United States from any source because any revenue he generates will be attached to his judgment,” Attar said.
“Additionally, Paradigm will pursue enforcement of its judgment in any foreign country where Manny seeks to fight,” he added.
The camp of Pacquiao has yet to issue a comment on the development as of posting time.
