GOLDEN BOY, ARUM TO ATTEND COURT ORDERED MEDIATION
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 12 Jun 2007
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer says that in California there is a system in place where the parties to a lawsuit “have to attend a court ordered mediation” which will happen in the case filed by Golden Boy against Bob Arum of Top Rank for “tortuous interference” in their contract with Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao. The mediation effort is expected to take place before the end of June.
Schaefer, in an exclusive interview with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today revealed that the mediation "is a forum in front of a retired judge where the parties will try to resolve their differences." He said the result will “either be a mutually acceptable resolution or if this is not the case, then the lawsit will continue.”
Arum has indicated in the past that a settlement would save both parties millions of dollars and would be the most logical route to take. However, Schaefer who has been upset by derogatory statements made against him by Arum, believes Golden Boy has a strong case for “tortuous interference” against Arum and is not likely to settle unless Arum recognizes that Golden Boy has the promotional rights to Pacquiao.
Schaefer disclosed “my understanding is that the lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in the beginning of October.”
In the meantime Pacquiao’s deposition will be taken on Wednesday in Los Angeles. He is likely to be questioned by crack sports lawyer Judd Burstein and the renowned attorney Bertram Fields who heads the Golden Boy legal team.
The legal battle stemmed from the fact that after signing a seven-fight contract with Golden Boy Promotions in mid-September last year and receiving $500,000, some two months later Pacquiao signed a four-year fight contract with Arum and received $1 million which was double the amount given him by Oscar De La Hoya.
Golden Boy filed a case against Arum in Los Angeles while Arum asked a court in Las Vegas to rule on which contract was valid and binding. The lawsuits were subsequently consolidated and would be tried in Los Angeles which has been interpreted by some as an initial victory for Golden Boy. However, two attempts to prevent the Pacquiao-Jorge Solis fight taking place under Top Rank Promotions in San Antonio, Texas last April were denied by the courts which Arum claimed was a clear victory for him.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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