A possible settlement agreement over a $100 million lawsuit against boxing manager Al Haymon could lead to a rematch between boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, reports Chris Mannix The Vertical.
The lawsuit was filed in July by the boxing promotion company Top Rank against Haymon’s Premier Boxing Championship. The suit alleged Haymon’s company was “monopolistic, violates federal antitrust laws and the federal Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.” Mannix reports the antitrust laws have been thrown out, the case had been amended and Haymon’s request to dismiss have been denied. Now, the lawsuit may be getting settled.
“..powerful boxing manager Al Haymon to halt requested document production, and scheduled depositions have been postponed indefinitely, multiple sources told Yahoo Sports – strong indications the two sides are moving toward a settlement.”
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum told Mannix like Jon Snow, he “knew nothing” about a settlement.
“Top Rank CEO Bob Arum told Yahoo! Sports he “knew nothing,” of a potential settlement, and that the decision to halt discovery and postpone depositions were “internal mechanisms regarding the case.”
Since Pacquiao is represented by Top Rank and Mayweather by Haymon, a settlement would allow a rematch to take place without a lawsuit superseding it. The duo last fought in May of last year, which was one of the most-watched, lucrative fights in boxing history – even though the match was nothing to write home about.
Mayweather is technically retired, but money speaks. In a recent interview he left the door open to a potential return to the ring. Considering how he’s easily knocked off Pacquiao in the past, it would be an easy opportunity for Mayweather to make serious cash. Pacquiao last appeared in an April matchup against Timothy Bradley, where he defeated him in a unanimous decision.
I’m not sure if there’s a huge appetite right now for a rematch, but considering if Mayweather’s involved, if it is announced, it will be the fight of the year.
