Over the past week, PACLAND was rocked with two huge events, ironically being announced at the same time: two court cases against promoter Murad Muhammad. The first was announced as a press release and authorized by Manny Pacquiao himself. His legal counsel Judd Burstein and Keith Davison formally filed suit against Murad Muhammad?s M&M Sports in New York. The suit claims that Manny was robbed and fooled by ?a greedy and unscrupulous boxing promoter.? Missing from the lawsuit was both Rod and Boying Nazario, business managers of Pacquiao and the ones who dealt with Murad.
AND IN THE BLINK OF A LEGAL EYE!
About five hours later, www.RingTalk.com revealed the California Superior Court approved the motion by Attorney Sydney Hall to add Marty Elorde and Manny Pacquiao as plaintiffs in his existing case with Murad Muhammad, which was filed back in November of 2003. Also both Nazarios, Boying and Rod, were added as party defendants. Manny, he was also added as a defendant, but as a nominal defendant only!
MANNY COULD MAKE HIMSELF REAL PROBLEMS!
Hall was forced to add Manny as a nominal defendant because since he and Manny were so united in the events from 2001 to 2003, Pacquiao had to be a plaintiff along with Hall and Elorde. However, because a case has been filed in New York, Manny has not signed, approve, or even have any prior knowledge of Hall?s case. Therefore, should Manny not sign and become a plaintiff with Sydney, he will then remain as the nominal defendant.
JUDGES LAYING IN WAIT ON BOTH COASTS!
The current issue now is which state will the courtroom be located? The New York case or the California case? Hall is sure that the New York case will be dropped because his case with Murad has been ongoing since 2003. Both cases charge Muhammad with similar transgressions against Pacquiao. However, the New York case pits Pacquiao solely against Murad. In Hall?s case, Murad, the Nazarios, and their company, Philippine Boxing, LLC (Limited Liability Company) are being charged.
JUDD NOT CHEAP BY ANY MEANS!
BIt has been reported that Pacquiao paid Burstein a $100,000 down payment to represent the boxer. Joaquin Henson of The Philippine Star reported that Manny was only able to pay $50,000 out of his bank, and had to take a ?$50,000 advance from his July non-title fight.? What is confusing about that is usually the promoter advances the money to the fighter. Murad has also claimed to the media that he?s confident in clearing his name against Pacquiao and that this suit in New York was an attempt by his new management to faze Murad out. However, Murad has yet to comment on Hall?s case. Muhammad is under a lot of pressure with these two cases. He has backed himself into a corner he may not get out of.
NAZARIO SAYS TAX WAS PAID, BUT NO HARD PROOF!
However, the number one issue Manny must face before continuing his ring career is his tax situation. Once he cleans up his tax mess, he can sole concentrate on his suits with Murad Muhammad. According to a source I call the ?Tax Lady,? it?s the responsibility of the promoter to prepare the 30% deduction on the spot after the fight. The ?Tax Lady? has handled many affairs with Mexican boxers fighting in the United States and says that the 30% is only for fighters fighting the United States. She further states that even though a promoter, for whatever reason, doesn?t pay the taxes, the responsibility then goes to the fighter. Manny understands his tax situations and if he wants to avoid trouble with Uncle Sam, a fight he can?t win, he?ll clear his tax troubles up before paying more legal fees.
QUICK JABS?
This Saturday, boxing?s second huge fight is ON between Mexican Jose Luis Castillo and America?s Diego Corrales. Both fighters are determined to win, a great fight is guaranteed?Don?t sleep on Castillo; he?s more than a sparring partner. This is a gritty hard nosed boxer, who has more than a shot to beat Corrales?The winner of the fight will be the first person to hurt their opponent badly?Calling out Marco Antonio Barrera may be a smart move in Randy Suico?s part because it?d be a no lose situation?Pacquiao arch rival Juan Manuel Marquez fights on the undercard of Castillo-Corrales against tough Victor Polo. It?d be a shame for Marquez to lose and eat his words?Out of all the young Filipino prospects, Rodel Mayol may be the closest to receive a world title shot?I?ll be cheering on Jermain Taylor as he tries to grab the middleweight title from Bernard Hopkins. I don?t know how he?ll win, but he?s great for boxing, which needs a new face in the spotlight?Perhaps boxing fans do not want anyone to save the heavyweight division. They want the biggest fight possible in that division, which is James Toney vs. Roy Jones Jr!
