LOS ANGELES — Manny Pacquiao was originally one of the respondents in the million lawsuit filed by American Shelly Finkel against the boxer’s top associates.
Finkel made the admission during an interview at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles recently shortly after he dropped with prejudice the lawsuits against Pacquiao’s Filipino advisers Franklin Gacal and Wakee Salud.
He said he included Pacquiao because he felt he was part of the group that signed a promotional contract with ABS-CBN which he said violates their agreement.
Having a binding contract with Finkel, Pacquiao was included in charge sheet for breach of contract – the same case filed by Finkel against Gacal and Salud last May 30.
Finkel, who manages the business affairs of Pacquiao in the US, later decided to recall the suit with prejudice.
“(The case) was filed but was taken back. It was never served (although) our lawyers felt we should but it was never served,” said Finkel.
Finkel explained why he withdrew the case with prejudice.
“When you take it back without prejudice that means you can bring it again and with prejudice you could never bring it again so that’s even worse than if nothing was ever filed because if nothing was ever filed, later, if you had a disagreement, you can sue again.”
“And I think that shows our good faith,” said Finkel, who took over from Murad Muhammad last year as Pacquiao’s promoter.
“All lawsuits are dismissed and everything is just going forward,” said Finkel. “All’s been dismissed with prejudice and cannot be brought back and (lawyer) Nick (Khan) has copies that will be given to them.”
“I just want to do what’s best for Manny,” added Finkel, who will join Pacquiao in his flight back to Manila on Sunday. Also joining the trip are Khan and Freddie Roach, training assistant Buboy Fernandez, boxer Gerry Pe?alosa and Russian light-welter Rustam Nugaev.
The case filed against Gacal and Salud, according to Finkel, has already been withdrawn with prejudice although copies of the document haven’t been received by the respondents.
Pacquiao is facing Oscar Larios of Mexico on July 2 in Manila with ABS-CBN and Pacquiao’s MP Promotions staging the fight at the Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao did not spar on Tuesday but still had a tough day at the gym under the strict supervision of Roach.
“I feel great,” said Pacquiao after emerging from a two-hour workout, flexing his muscles, as if saying he’s ready.
