COUNT this as a triumph for Manny Pacquiao–and for boxing.
Pacquiao’s fight outside the ring ended in a victory of sorts after his controversial New Jersey-based promoter Murad Muhammad of M&M Sports has agreed to make an out-of-court settlement regarding the $33-million suit filed by the Filipino boxer against him last April.
The settlement, which was arrived at before the eight-member jury can hand a verdict, means that Pacquiao is a free agent once again and can go on with his boxing career, away from the clutches of Murad.
Aside from giving Pacquiao back his freedom, Murad had also agreed to settle an undisclosed amount to cover court fees. Also, the M&M Sports also agreed to dismiss the suit it filed against Pacquiao and his new management team.
The case filed by Pacquiao is anchored on the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, which protects boxers from being exploited by managers and promoters.
The relationship between Pacquiao and Murad soured after Pacquiao fought and lost to Erik Morales last March in Las Vegas.
“This is a triumph for all of boxing,” said Pacquiao as quoted by journalist Winchell Campos, who was reporting from New York.
The trial that started June 20, and Pacquiao lauded the fast and expeditious manner, by which Judge Loretta Preska presided over the case, wrote Campos.
After the settlement, Pacquiao, his wife Jinkee, and friend and interpreter Joseph Ramos and his wife Joanna immediately left for California, it was reported.
