Pacquiao’s real and present trouble

By Alex P. Vidal

“Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.”— Alfred A. Montapert

WHEN I first heard about the alleged annulment case supposedly filed recently by Jinky Pacquiao against her husband Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, I immediately dismissed it as untrue.

Either some spin artists concocted it as a diversionary tactic meant to camouflage the real trouble the former eight-time world boxing champion is facing today, or it was meant to keep his name afloat or for whatever purpose it may serve, which only the husband and wife are maybe aware of.

I have strong hunch Pacquiao knows what going on—I mean, the spreading of the canard to divert the people’s attention.

No newsman in his right mind will write or broadcast something scandalous as Jinky Pacquiao’s alleged infidelity that resulted in her pregnancy without risking a libel or damage suit if the story is unsubstantiated.

The story wasn’t only false, it’s ridiculous and totally unbelievable.

Before this cheap and fanciful Jinky-got-pregnant-to-another-man-and-their-marriage-is-now-on-the-rocks bogus publicity stunt came out, the 44-year-old semi-retired pugilist was facing a really alarming and big problem.

This was the lawsuit filed against the ring legend by Paradigm Sports Management for breach of contract in 2021, which is now reportedly “developing from bad to worse.”

Pacquiao, who at the time was a recent signee with Paradigm, allegedly decided to go back and work with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions, as the suit claims.

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SBNation’s Mila Ordoñez, who followed the issue, claimed that part of the supposed deal with Paradigm was a $25 million purse to face Mikey Garcia that same year, which they claim fell apart after Pacquiao wanted a guaranteed $5 million in advance even without fighting.

Also included was a planned crossover boxing match with Conor McGregor, one of Paradigm’s top talents.

The case is now moving forward. Per a recent report by MMA Fighting the trial for the lawsuit has been set for March 3, 2023. Paradigm CEO Audie Attar also released this statement:

“Manny’s days of thumbing his nose at our contractual rights are almost at an end. We have an overwhelming case against him and look forward to justice being served.

“The court has already entered an order stating that – due to his consistent violation of court orders – Pacquiao is now deemed to have admitted that he breached his contract with Paradigm and that Paradigm has suffered more than $20 million in damages.”

Attar also reportedly sent a message to other organizations planning to work with Pacquiao while the suit is ongoing.

“If any promoters, managers, fighters, or broadcasting networks are considering entering into an agreement with Manny prior to the trial, they are now on notice that Paradigm will immediately commence an action against them for tortious interference with contract and seek both an injunction and damages.

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“Once Paradigm wins at trial in March, we will cut off 100 percent of Manny’s opportunities to earn money in the United States from any source because any revenue he generates will be attached to his judgment.

“Additionally, Paradigm will aggressively pursue enforcement of its judgment in any foreign country where Manny seeks to fight.”

Judd Burstein, who will be representing Paradigm in this ongoing case, used to work with Pacquiao for a previous contract dispute lawsuit. Pacquiao’s lawyers are now reportedly filing a motion to disqualify Burstein.

Pacquiao had already denied any wrongdoing.

“Paradigm Sports’ lawsuit against me has no merit,” Pacquiao’s camp said in a 2021 statement.

“I have an absolute right under the agreement with Paradigm to engage in the upcoming bout with Errol Spence. If this frivolous lawsuit continues, I will be proven correct in court.”

The 44-year-old Pacquiao (62-8-2 with 39 KOs), who retired in 2021 to focus on his Philippine presidential campaign, is now set for his 2023 boxing return under Rizin. He did an exhibition match in December against YouTuber DK Yoo and won by decision.

Now, do you wonder why all of a sudden, the apparently diversionary “news” about the Pacquiao couple’s “separation” suddenly hogged headlines?

Jinky has eloped with a rich man and is now pregnant? And there’s an annulment case? As the old saying goes, tell it to the marines.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)