The future of Manny Pacquiao’s career is uncertain, as he faces an impending legal battle set to start on March 3. This comes two years after Paradigm Sports and its founder/combat sports manager Audie Attar filed a Breach of Contract lawsuit against the retired eight-division titlist. The lawsuit is claiming more than $20 million in damages, and is being represented by powerhouse attorney Judd Burstein. Pacquiao’s legal team has already filed a Motion to Disqualify Burstein, due to him previously representing Pacquiao as the plaintiff in a contractual dispute. A hearing for the motion is scheduled for February 14, and the case is set to proceed with the March 3 trial regardless.
The lawsuit alleges that Pacquiao failed to make good on business promises that came with a $3.3 million advance. The two parties had agreed to a four-fight deal that would have included a fight between Pacquiao and Mikey Garcia. This was all before Pacquiao announced his plans for a superfight versus Errol Spence Jr., resulting in Paradigm and Attar taking action to protect their alleged investment. Pacquiao’s legal team has responded, calling the lawsuit a “frivolous effort to interfere with Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming mega fight”.
The fight against Spence was eventually replaced by Yordenis Ugas, and Pacquiao was soundly outboxed over twelve rounds in what marked the final fight of his legendary career. Since then, Pacquiao has gone the exhibition route to satisfy his boxing itch, dominating YouTube personality DK Yoo atop an independent PPV event last December. He then signed with RIZIN Fighting Federation last New Year’s Eve, with plans to fight in another exhibition bout sometime this year in Japan. This was all brought up in the case, and Paradigm has threatened to file injunctive relief should any promoters, managers, fighters or broadcasting networks consider entering into an agreement with Pacquiao prior to the trial.
The outcome of the trial could have a major effect on Pacquiao’s future in the sport, as Paradigm will attempt to “cut off 100% of Manny’s opportunities to earn money in the United States from any source” should they win. It will certainly be a case to watch, as the legendary boxer’s career hangs in the balance.
