Manny Pacquiao has been given a substantial legal victory after winning his case against Paradigm Sports Management.
The Filipino was ordered to pay the company $5.1 million after reports that he had breached their contract. Pacman signed an alleged exclusive deal with the agency, allowing the company to negotiate his future fights. While that may have been the case, disputes emerged over claims that Pacquiao was talking to others without Paradigm’s consent. Soon after he signed a deal in 2020, the company filed a lawsuit one year later. However, Pacman was given the win because the company did not possess the appropriate license required to act as his manager/promoter. Paradigm will appeal, but the court judgment has given Manny a huge win for now.
Pacquiao’s Win
“The court finds for Mr. Pacquiao on the Declaratory Relief cause of action and declares the Contract void due to illegality. The court grants Mr. Pacquiao’s Request for Judicial Notice (RJN), filed on 4-20-23 under ROA No. 725. RJN Exhibit A is a Certificate of Non Licensure [dated April 18, 2023] from the California State Athletic Commission indicating that Mr. Attar was not currently licensed as a Manager.
“He was licensed as a Manager from April 14, 2016, to April 30, 2017, and his license expired after he did not complete the required annual renewal. RJN Exhibit A also indicates that Paradigm Sports Management, LLC “has never been licensed as a manager. RJN Exhibit C is a Certificate of Non-Licensure [dated April 18, 2023] from the California State Athletic Commission indicating that Mr. Attar and Paradigm Sports Management, LLC have never been licensed as a Promoter,” Court
The news is significant in light of reports that Manny may return to fighting. He has been linked with a bout against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. Pacman is 45 years old and has won titles in eight divisions. But his last pro fight did not go his way. He lost to Yordenis Ugus via a unanimous decision, the same fighter Barrios beat. Manny did make history by becoming the oldest welterweight after beating Keith Thurman. While that may be the case, father time does catch up with every boxer.
Should Manny Fight?
There are dangers that Manny could get hurt. It is hard to think the Filipino can be any better following three years of the pro game. Several former fighters have also shown that they struggle on their returns. Evander Holyfield returned at 58 and sustained serious punishment during his first-round stoppage loss against Evander Holyfield.
Mike Tyson has also raised concerns over his fight with Jake Paul. Iron Mike will be 58 when he boxes The Problem Child on November 15. However, Tyson pulled out of the original July 20 date after suffering from an inflamed ulcer. Manny risks getting hurt if he puts himself in the line of fire against a prime boxer. But WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has welcomed a Manny return.
“Manny Pacquiao is timeless. He’s a legend. We have great precedent of former champions coming back as long as they pass successfully all the medical examinations. As a former champion and as a legend, he does have the possibility of fighting for the WBC championship. I do like the idea very much. I think Manny Pacquiao can beat any fighter or can be competitive with any fighter today,” Sulaiman said