Progress was sustained in the mediation talks between Top Rank and Golden Boy as representatives of the two promotional outfits were asked to return for more talks in Los Angeles next week.
“It’s still going on and we’re hopeful. The judge asked us to return probably Tuesday or Wednesday next week,” Top Rank president Bob Arum said over the phone yesterday
The legendary promoter, however, couldn’t say more as the judge asked Top Rank and Golden Boy, disputing the promotional rights over Manny Pacquiao, to observe confidentiality.
“We have to observe silence because if we don’t it may affect the ability of the judge to handle the mediation process. It’s still going on but we can’t say anything,” Arum told The STAR.
Tuesday’s meeting in Los Angeles was the second between officials of Top Rank and Golden Boy. Last Sunday, they discussed a possible settlement from 9 a.m. until 6 in the evening.
It was reported that included in the talks was a possible “sharing” of the promotional rights over Pacquiao. In case the mediation process bogs down, the case continues.
Golden Boy sued Top Rank for “tortuous interference” after Pacquiao signed a contract with Arum last November, two months after the boxer inked a pact with Golden Boy owner Oscar dela Hoya.
Last week, the Filipino superstar made his deposition before Golden Boy lawyers, and, under oath, shared his personal knowledge of the facts surrounding the case.
The mediation process moving on means that no announcement may yet come from Arum regarding Pacquiao’s next fight, tentatively scheduled Oct. 6 in Vancouver against Mexico’s Humberto Soto.
Pacquiao flew back to Manila the other day but has left matters regarding the mediation to his lawyers in the US. Right now he’s busy finalizing endorsement contracts with old and new sponsors.
