Legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao has found himself in a predicament after losing a legal battle against Paradigm Sports, the same company that manages UFC megastar Conor McGregor. The jury in Orange County, California, has ordered ‘PacMan’ to pay $5.1 million to the sports agency in damages. Subsequently, ‘The Notorious’ took to Twitter to send a stern warning to the Filipino boxing phenomenon.
Earlier this year, Paradigm Sports’ CEO, Audie Attar, filed a lawsuit against Pacquiao for a breach of contract. He also warned other promoters in the United States against working with the boxing legend. Let us take a look at what transpired with regard to the lawsuit.
Manny Pacquiao could be paying damages up to a whopping $8,000,000
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Apart from the $5.1 million, the jury also ordered the Filipino boxing legend to pay $2 million in attorney fees. Furthermore, Pacquiao was ordered to repay Paradigm $3.3 million which he took as an advance after signing a management contract with the company, along with $1.8 million in damages. The grand total to be paid by ‘PacMan’ after losing the lawsuit amounts to almost $8 million. This ruling was made a day after the 8-year anniversary of Pacquiao’s loss to Mayweather in 2015.
Manny Pacquiao has lost his legal case with Paradigm Sports Management and has been ordered to pay the company $5.1million in damages after they sued him for breach of contract.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 3, 2023
Paradigm Sports filed the lawsuit, initially, in 2021. This was after the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mikey Garcia fell apart due to one of his associates interfering. This was followed by ‘PacMan’ signing for Premier Boxing Champions. Because of that, Paradigm filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages. They also lost Mikey Garcia as a client in the process. The jury of Orange County ruled that Pacquiao acted in bad faith.
Conor McGregor fires shots at Pacquiao
Before the jury gave their verdict, questions arose on Twitter regarding the lawsuit. Some people suggested that both fighters may settle things inside the boxing ring if Paradigm Sports didn’t win the legal battle. However, Conor McGregor quickly responded to that question and informed his fans that they did win the lawsuit. He said, “We did settle in court, he [Pacquiao] owes me 5.1.” In a funny take, ‘Notorious’ claimed that ‘PacMan’ had to pay him the $5.1 million ordered by the jury.
McGregor went a step further in another tweet. He warned the former eight-division boxing champion not to repeat this mistake again. He said, “And don’t let it happen again [Manny Pacquiao].”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In classic McGregor fashion, the former UFC double champion didn’t shy away from weighing in on the news. It is because both McGregor and Pacquiao were set to fight each other back in 2017. But the negotiations quickly broke down. It left a bad taste in the Irishman’s mouth. The decision of the jury was also announced on the day that marked the 10th anniversary of Pacquiao losing to his famous rival, Floyd Mayweather.
Conor McGregor has his own financial stake in Paradigm Sports, and he demanded that Manny Pacquiao pay him what he is owed. However, McGregor will be focusing on his upcoming ventures, including a fight against Michael Chandler down the line.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on the verdict of the lawsuit? Drop your comments below.
WATCH THIS STORY: Alexander Volkanovski’s coach reveals a depressing incident that almost led to the retirement of the great