Two boxing fans have filed a class-action lawsuit against Manny Pacquiao over his failure to disclose that he had a shoulder injury ahead of the Floyd Mayweather fight.
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Pacquiao caused controversy after revealing in his post-fight press conference that he had suffered with a shoulder injury in the build up to his meeting with Mayweather.
Trainer Freddie Roach even admitted that they had thought about postponing the fight, but the injury improved after rest and they believed that it had healed enough to allow the Filipino star to go on as planned.
However, after not deciding to disclose the injury to the Nevada boxing commission until just hours before the fight when Pac-Man requested an anti-inflammatory shot, which was rejected, the matter is expected to be investigated further with the threat of a possible fine and suspension.
Pacquiao’s headaches don’t appear to stop there now though as he faces legal action from Nevada residents Stephane Vanel and Kami Rahbaran who are said to be suing on behalf of “all persons who purchased tickets; purchased the pay-per-view event; or who wagered money on the event”.
It is reported that the pair are seeking more than $5m from Pacquiao, with the suit filed against the fighter himself, promoters Top Rank and manager Michael Koncz for fraudulently concealing the injury.
Top Rank wasted little time in dismissing the lawsuit by insisting that Pacquiao’s team had made USADA fully aware of his situation ahead of the fight as they checked that the medications he was taking were allowed under regulations.
While the argument is that they should have also notified the NSAC as well having ticked ‘no’ on a questionnaire when asked if he had an injury, it remains to be seen if they are set for a legal battle as the issue rumbles on.
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