It’s not often that one of the greatest boxers in history loses a legal battle, however that is exactly what happened to Manny Pacquiao recently. The eight-division world champion was ordered by a jury in Orange County, California to pay 5.1 million dollars plus 2 million in attorney fees to Paradigm Sports as part of a breach of contract lawsuit filed against him.

The dispute between the two parties began back in June 2021 when Paradigm accused Pacquiao and his business associates, including longtime advisor Sean Gibbons and Winchell Campos, of interfering with the negotiation for Pacquiao to fight four division boxing champion Mikey Garcia after signing with them earlier that year. Despite signing on with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions instead, Paradigm alleged that they were still owed money from their agreement with Pacquiao and went on to sue him over it.

The trial presided over by Judge Walter P Schwarm concluded last week with the jury ruling unanimously in favor of Paradigm Sports awarding them 5 1 million along with 10 percent annual interest due dating back three years as well as reimbursement for 3 3 million advanced payment made prior to the breach plus an additional 1 8 million levied against him as damages bringing the total amount owed up to 8 million dollars or more.

After hearing news of their victory Paradigm CEO Audie Attar released a statement saying “We are elated to learn of the jury’s ruling in our suit against Manny Pacquiao…the jury plainly found that he testified falsely denying our claims and his excuses proved our case which resulted in this verdict”. He went on further adding “hopefully Manny will have learned a lesson from this experience and will act honestly going forward.”

Though athletes losing lawsuits isn’t unheard off it’s rare for one like Manny Pacquaio who is considered among boxing royalty so this case has been highly publicized since its announcement showing other fighters who may be considering signing contracts just how seriously these matters can be taken by courts. It also serves as an important reminder about honoring your commitments if you intend on avoiding costly judgements like those now facing Manny Pacquaio himself

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