WATCH: Filipino Law Group attorneys explain “Fight of the Century” lawsuit
LOS ANGELES – A Filipino American law firm sued the promoter, trainer and manager of Manny Pacquiao for allegedly perpetrating fraud in the so-called “Fight of the Century” between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, becoming just one of several lawsuits filed after May 2 the fight in Las Vegas.
Some 32 lawsuits are now pending in different U.S. Courts, all based on the non-disclosure of Pacquiao’s right shoulder rotator cuff injury, which was sustained during his pre-fight training.
However, clients of the Filipino Law Group, which filed class action suit No. BC581363 in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles-Central District on May 11, did not name Pacquiao himself as a defendant.
Instead, the complaint was lodged only against Top Rank, Inc., Bob Arum, Michael Koncz and Freddie Roach.
Unlike other litigants, FLG decided not to sue Pacquiao because it believes that boxer’s management and promotion team were ultimately responsible and made the executive decision not to disclose his injury.
Filipino Law Group attorneys (from left) J. Flores Valdez, Ed Lopez, Jun Bautista, Marlon Baldomero filed a lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao’s managers but excluded the boxer himself. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“We believe that Manny Pacquiao’s interests differ than those of his management and promotion team,” stated Atty. Ed Lopez.
“For example, you want to watch your favorite singer perform. Promoters blast the news everywhere about the ‘Concert Of The Year,’ which gets you excited, and so you run to purchase tickets. At the concert you realize your favorite singer has a sore throat, which resulted in a very poor performance. Would you have purchased tickets knowing your favorite singer had a sore throat?” Lopez explained.
Not only did Top Rank, Inc., Bob Arum, Michael Koncz and Freddie Roach intentionally conceal Pacquaio’s injury, they misrepresented that Pacquiao was 100 percent physically fit to knock out Floyd Mayweather. The complaint alleges.
The attempt to conceal Pacquiao’s injury is evidenced by Michael Koncz’ overt act of indicating to the Nevada State Athletic Commission on a pre-fight questionnaire that he filled out and answered for Manny Pacquiao, the suit alleges further.
“This lawsuit is not only for Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, or Filipinos. We have filed this lawsuit on behalf of boxing fans and enthusiasts all over the world who believe that they have been misled and to preserve the integrity of the sports of boxing,” added Atty. Marlon Baldomero.
Filipino Law Group is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Information on joining this lawsuit can be found on the Filipino Law Group’s Facebook page by clicking on the link displayed or calling 1.855.MABUHAY (1.855.6228429). Inquiries can also be emailed to: info@FilipinoLawGroup.com .