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Duncan Law Group Files Class Action Complaint Against Boxer Manny Pacquiao and Others

Posted on May 6, 2015 in

Attorney Robert Duncan has filed a class action complaint against Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, and numerous other parties involved in what was billed as the “Fight of the Century”. This event took place last Saturday. Boxing fans nationwide were disappointed in the highly-anticipated May 2 fight, only to later find out that boxer Manny Pacquiao admitted he had suffered a shoulder injury less than a month before the fight that inhibited his ability to compete. Now, Attorney Duncan is representing Illinois fans of the fight who paid to watch the bout through pay-per-view services.

In the May 5 complaint, Attorney Duncan and other cooperating lawyers detail how the fight was advertised, promoted, and distributed to viewers. Among the named defendants are the two participating fighters, Comcast, DirecTV, AT&T, HBO, Showtime, Mayweather Promotions, and Top Rank, Inc.

The complaint also reports that the plaintiffs paid between $89 and $100 to watch the fight, while estimating that the profiting parties made upwards of $300,000,000 from viewers and ticket-buyers. It seeks damages on behalf of the plaintiffs on the grounds that the defendants violated Illinois’ Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices law. Exhibit A included in the complaint is a pre-fight questionnaire Pacquiao filled out, proving that he had made no mention of the shoulder injury prior to the fight.

Protecting Consumer Rights Across New Mediums

ESPN, which is covering the fight controversy, and several other similar suits that have emerged all over the country, spoke with Attorney Duncan following that complaint filing. “Our state has a law that prohibits concealing or misrepresenting material information with consumers and, within the context of boxing, Manny Pacquiao’s shoulder injury is a material fact,” Attorney Duncan told ESPN. “Had our clients known that the underdog had a shoulder injury, they wouldn’t have thought that this fight was worth watching.”

The Duncan Law Group is dedicated to protecting consumer rights, even with products that are delivered through new media avenues like streaming, pay-per-view, or on-demand content. Contact our skilled Chicago civil litigators for information on how we help you today.