Golden Boy Promotions sues Al Haymon for $300M
Another day, another lawsuit involving someone in boxing.
Tuesday, Manny Pacquiao was sued for $5 million by two Las Vegans after disclosing he was less than 100 percent when he fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden. Later that day, Mayweather himself was sued for $20 million by his former girlfriend Josie Harris for defamation after she claims Mayweather called her a drug addict in an interview.
Wednesday, it was Golden Boy Promotions’ turn as Oscar De La Hoya’s company filed a $300 million suit against Al Haymon, claiming Haymon violated antitrust laws as well as being in violation of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.
Haymon, who represents 150 fighters, has founded Premier Boxing Champions and has put his fighters on PBC shows on NBC, CBS, Spike TV as well as future shows planned for ESPN later this year. He also serves as Mayweather’s adviser.
“During my 25 years in boxing, I have watched far too many fighters be chewed up, spit out and left with nothing to sit idly by while Mr. Haymon flaunts a federal law meant to protect those who put everything on the line to entertain fans of our sport,” De La Hoya said in a statement. “The Muhammad Ali Act was passed to help fighters avoid the fate that bedeviled so many of our predecessors and I will do everything in my power to ensure this crucial piece of legislation is upheld and followed.”
Also named in the lawsuit are financial backers Waddell & Reed. The suit claims they aided and abetted Haymon.
The suit, which has been in the works for several weeks before being filed in Federal Court in Los Angeles, alleges that Haymon has acted as both manager and promoter, a violation of the Ali Act, and that Haymon has locked out top fighters who do not join his organization from competing on his cards.
A spokesman for Haymon said there would be no comment on Golden Boy’s suit.
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj
