- The verdict has been overturned in a lawsuit Conor McGregor’s sports agency filed against Manny Pacquiao
- The boxing legend is no longer obliged to pay the company
A judge has overturned a verdict against Manny Pacquiao in a lawsuit filed by Paradigm Sports Management, a company that represents Conor McGregor, back in 2023.
Manny secures the W
Last year, the Filipino boxing legend inked a contract with Paradigm Sports Management to face McGregor in a massive boxing match. Pacquiao was reportedly given a huge signing bonus but when the fight ultimately got scrapped, the company sued “Pacman” for breach of contract and Pacquiao was ordered to pay back the advancement plus damages.
The court favored the sports agency and Pacquiao was supposed to pay over $5 million.
However, Judge Walter P. Schwarm overturned the verdict on Monday, Aug. 12, after Audie Attar, Paradigm’s founder and CEO, failed to provide a management license issued by the California State Athletic Commission at the time the contract was made, per MMA Fighting.
The judge stated that the “court finds for Mr. Pacquiao on the cross-complaint’s declaratory relief cause of action and declares the contract void due to illegality.”
He also acknowledged that Pacquiao indeed, signed a contract to be represented by Paradigm but “Mr. Attar’s testimony supports that [Paradigm Sports Management] did not have the required license … based on the evidence, the court finds that Mr. Pacquiao has demonstrated, by a preponderance of evidence, that [Paradigm Sports Management] did not have the required license under [California law].”
The findings stated that the court ultimately ruled that “the contract is illegal” and “unenforceable.” This means that the former multi-division boxing champion has been freed of his obligation to pay Paradigm an estimated $8 million, including attorney fees.
“After hearing Paradigm Sports Management’s objections to the tentative decision, the court decided the contract that Paradigm sought to enforce Mr. Pacquiao was illegal as Paradigm was not properly licensed,” Pacquiao’s attorney Jason Aniel told The Philippine Star.
“This decision negates the jury’s findings back in May of 2023. We thank the court’s time and effort in this matter. Mr. Pacquiao thanks his fans for their patience while the court fully resolved all the legal issues,” he added.
Pacquiao and Conor can move on
As it stands, “Pacman” seems to be active in participating in exhibition matches. On the other hand, “Notorious” has been busy co-running BKFC and working with the UFC for his long-awaited return.
With the legal battle now over, both Pacquiao and McGregor can finally move on and focus on their respective endeavors.
