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In a legal saga spanning a decade, boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao continue to battle courtroom opponents while simultaneously preparing for their September rematch at the Las Vegas Sphere, which will stream live on Netflix.
The latest development came this week when Pacquiao filed a malicious prosecution lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against multiple law firms and their client, Gabriel Rueda, a former restaurant server. Pacquiao is accusing them of attempting to extort millions through fabricated claims and false accusations.
Rueda, who worked as a waiter at Craig’s restaurant in West Hollywood, sued Pacquiao in 2016, claiming he deserved an $8.6 million finder’s fee for connecting Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach with then-CBS president Leslie Moonves to arrange the 2015 “Fight of the Century.” Rueda demanded $42 million in damages.
That historic bout, which Mayweather won by decision, broke records with 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and $72 million in ticket sales, generating over $600 million in total revenue. Mayweather reportedly earned at least $250 million, while Pacquiao received approximately $125 million.
Earlier this year, a judge granted Pacquiao summary judgment, dismissing Rueda’s case. Now, the Filipino boxing icon is counter-attacking, seeking compensatory and punitive damages against Rueda and the law firms Khan Law Office, Withers Bergman, and the now-defunct Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hecht.
According to court documents, Pacquiao asserts he never communicated with Rueda about arranging a Roach-Moonves meeting, let alone agreed to any payment. His attorneys uncovered crucial evidence in 2023 through court-ordered forensic recovery of Rueda’s iCloud account—a letter from Rueda intended for Mayweather stating he “asked for nothing in return” for the introduction.
The filing alleges Rueda and his attorneys deliberately hid this evidence despite discovery requests and a 2018 court order. Pacquiao’s lawsuit also addresses disturbing accusations that surfaced in 2020 when Rueda claimed to have received threatening text messages with images of dismembered bodies from Pacquiao’s associates.
Pacquiao’s legal team demonstrated these messages were part of a widely distributed drug cartel scam sent to more than 100 people. Rueda eventually dropped this claim in 2024 after it was discredited.
“Defendants knowingly and deliberately misused the judicial process to prosecute claims that were completely fabricated from the outset and directly refuted by evidence that Defendants knew about, possessed, and suppressed,” Pacquiao’s lawyers wrote, adding that the boxer “incurred millions of dollars in legal fees and costs to clear his name.”
Meanwhile, Mayweather is engaged in his own high-stakes legal battle. Earlier this month, he sued Showtime and former executive Stephen Espinoza for $340 million, accusing them of depriving him of a “significant portion of his career earnings.” Mayweather alleges the network paid some of his earnings to his former manager, Al Haymon, through “a complex web of hidden accounts, unauthorized transactions, and deliberate concealment of financial records.”
Despite these ongoing legal entanglements, both boxing legends—Mayweather now 49 and Pacquiao 47—are focused on their upcoming rematch scheduled for September 19. The fight marks a significant moment for sports streaming, as it will be Netflix’s first major live boxing event.
Industry analysts suggest the rematch could once again generate extraordinary revenue, though likely not matching their first encounter, which remains the highest-grossing boxing match in history. The selection of the technologically advanced Las Vegas Sphere as the venue adds another innovative dimension to the event.
While both fighters have announced retirements at various points in their careers, the financial incentives of another mega-fight have proven too compelling to resist. The continuation of these courtroom battles underscores how the business of boxing often extends far beyond what happens inside the ring.
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14 Comments
Allegations of false claims and extortion are no small matter, especially when high-profile athletes and massive revenue streams are involved. I’m curious to see how Pacquiao’s lawsuit progresses and what the implications might be for the boxing industry.
Indeed, the legal battle has significant implications beyond just the two fighters. The integrity of the sport and its business dealings will be under scrutiny.
The sheer amount of money involved in high-profile boxing matches like this one highlights the need for transparency and accountability. Pacquiao’s lawsuit suggests there may be some unsavory business practices occurring behind the scenes. I hope the legal process can uncover the truth and lead to positive changes in the industry.
Well said. Maintaining the integrity of the sport should be a top priority, regardless of the financial stakes. This case could set an important precedent.
This is a high-stakes legal battle with significant implications for the boxing industry. Pacquiao’s accusations of false claims and extortion are quite serious, and the court’s findings could shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of major boxing events. I’ll be following this case closely to see how it unfolds.
The long-running feud between Pacquiao and Mayweather has been captivating, but this latest development adds a new layer of complexity. It will be interesting to see how the courts handle Pacquiao’s allegations and whether any wrongdoing is uncovered. The integrity of the sport is at stake, so a fair and transparent process is essential.
Agreed. The public’s trust in the sport is on the line, so it’s critical that the legal proceedings are thorough and impartial. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the industry.
This is a complex issue with a lot of moving parts. On one hand, Pacquiao is accusing the defendants of fabricating claims, which is a serious charge. On the other hand, the alleged finder’s fee of $8.6 million is also quite substantial. It will be interesting to see how the courts weigh the evidence and determine the merits of each side’s arguments.
This is an intriguing case that touches on some key issues in the boxing world, such as the potential for exploitation and the need for stronger regulations. I’m curious to see how Pacquiao’s lawsuit unfolds and whether it leads to any meaningful reforms in the industry.
It’s concerning to hear allegations of false claims and extortion, especially in the context of such a high-profile sporting event. Pacquiao’s lawsuit highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the business side of boxing. I hope the courts can get to the bottom of this and provide some clarity.
Absolutely. The public deserves to have confidence in the integrity of the sport, so it’s crucial that any improper conduct is thoroughly investigated and addressed.
This case raises important questions about the power dynamics and financial incentives at play in the boxing industry. Pacquiao’s accusations of fabricated claims and extortion are serious, and the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the sport and its business practices going forward.
Interesting development in the long-running legal saga between Pacquiao and Mayweather. It seems Pacquiao is accusing the defendants of fabricating claims and attempting to extort millions, which is quite serious. I wonder how this will impact the upcoming rematch and the business around it.
Absolutely, the legal disputes appear to be getting more complex and contentious. It will be crucial for all parties involved to present their cases transparently and adhere to the rule of law.