MANILA – 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.
Attar further warned promoters, managers, fighters and broadcast networks not to interfere 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.
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.
Pacquiao, an eight-division world boxing champion, also figured in an exhibition bout in December last year, dominating Korean YouTuber DK Yoo over six rounds in South Korea.
Pacquiao’s longtime associate Jayke Joson, meanwhile, urged the Filipino fighter to reach out and make amends with the PSM for him to be able to fight again.
“I’m praying for my friend to be enlightened, make amends, reach out to Paradigm Sports Management, and hope to get the best result at the end of the day,” Joson said.
“This is what we’ve been saying to him for a long time, that all we wanted is for his own good,” he added. “As his friend, I really wish him all the best (ahead of his trial).”/PN
