Boxing: Manny Pacquiao threatens to sue his long time promoter Bob Arum

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Eight-division boxing world champion and reigning WBA (Regular) Welterweight World Champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is taking legal action against former long-time promoter Bob Arum and Top Rank Boxing.

According to the 8-division world champion, Top Rank chief Bob Arum has yet to remit the money corresponding to the earnings for live-streaming of his World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title bout against the Argentine in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Pacquiao had written on Instagram the other day that he seeks to take Top Rank to court for not giving him his share of the revenue for the live streaming of his fight with Matthysse on ESPN plus.

“Congratulations and good luck to Top Rank Boxing and ESPN on your 7-year partnership agreement,” Pacquiao wrote in the caption of a photo of him and Matthysse during their fight.

“I know both of you have been very busy finalizing the deal. However, I have not received the U.S. rights payment for my July 15 fight against Lucas Matthysse that was broadcast on ESPN plus. Therefore, I am initiating legal proceedings against Top Rank and all other parties based on the non-payment and attempt to restrict my future rights. Thank you,” he added.

The unpaid broadcast fees are reportedly worth around $1.7 million, with Pacquiao expected to 85 percent of the revenue for the US rights

Pacquiao defeated Matthysse via TKO in the seventh round in Kuala Lumpur to capture the WBA title.

The event, dubbed as “Fight of Champions” was a joint promotion between Pacquiao’s MP Promotions outfit and former in-ring rival Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, who handled Matthysse.

It was also Pacquiao’s first fight not under the Top Rank Boxing banner since signing with them more than a decade ago.

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