Despite the fact that it lasted seven hours Wednesday, things went well with Manny Pacquiao’s deposition regarding the court case involving giant promoters Top Rank and Golden Boy.
Bob Arum, owner of Top Rank, told boxingconfidential.com that he was totally satisfied how the Filipino boxer handled and went through the legal proceeding in Los Angeles.
“Manny did great. We come back tomorrow for more but Manny did just great,” said Arum, hoping that his boxer can wrap up the deposition Thursday with flying colors.
Golden Boy lawyers Burstein and Bertram Fields threw questions at Pacquiao regarding his personal knowledge of the facts related to the case.
The case stemmed from the fact that Pacquiao signed promotional contracts with both firms last year, first with Golden Boy in September, then with Top Rank in November.
Golden Boy sued Top Rank for “tortuous interference,” and believes that it remains Pacquiao’s rightful promoter.
“He (Pacquiao) is feisty, he is street smart and overall he is an intelligent guy. I was really impressed. And he just told the truth which always helps,” said Arum.
Two lawyers from Top Rank accompanied Pacquiao in the proceeding that was also attended by Golden Boy owner Oscar dela Hoya. It lasted from 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
From the hot seat, Pacquiao went straight to his luxurious La Palazzo unit near Beverly Hills. His adviser Mike Koncz said the boxer rested as soon as he entered his unit.
Pacquiao plans to leave LA for Manila Thursday or Friday. If he does, he will miss the settlement conference between Top Rank and Golden Boy before an LA judge.
Many believe that only a settlement can derail an Oct. 6 bout between Pacquiao and Humberto Soto in Vancouver, and open the doors for a Pacquiao fight against GBP fighter Juan Manuel Marquez.
During the meeting, the judge will ask both parties if there’s still a common ground they could work with en route to a settlement. Otherwise, the case goes on.
“What happens this coming weekend could change the whole Pacman situation. A settlement with Golden Boy, if it happens, opens up the whole picture. So we’ll have to wait to see what happens in the mediation,” added Arum, probably waiting for the outcome before he announces the final details of Pacquiao’s next fight.
