The lawsuit for which Golden Boy Promotions sued Al Haymon was thrown out by a judge in Los Angeles, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
“The court concludes that plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate that there is a genuine issue of material fact as to any of their federal claims for relief,” Walter wrote in a 24-page ruling, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN.
“On behalf of our clients, Haymon Sports, LLC and its CEO, Alan Haymon, we are very pleased with the decision of the Court to grant summary judgment and dismiss all of the meritless claims filed by Golden Boy Promotions,” attorney Michael Williams, of Quinn Emanuel, said in a statement given to ESPN.
“The Court’s ruling makes clear that the efforts by Haymon Sports were intended to, and actually did, increase competition in the boxing industry, to the benefit of the boxers, other promoters, and the fans.”
“Golden Boy’s invocation of the Ali Act — which the Court recognized exists to protect boxers, not promoters — was especially hypocritical given that the Court cited evidence that confirms Haymon Sports has consistently looked to protect the interests of its boxers against one-sided and oppressive promoter contracts,” Williams said. “Any decline in Golden Boy’s business cannot be attributed to the hard work and legal activities of my clients. We remain disappointed that Golden Boy chose to use the court system to try and stifle lawful competition and make false and unsupported accusation about my clients.”
“It is undisputed that Haymon Sports has worked with promoters across the industry (including Golden Boy, Top Rank, DiBella Entertainment, and others) to secure high-paid bouts and title fights,” Walter wrote. “Since January 1, 2015, at least three fights have taken place involving Haymon managed boxers and boxers promoted by Golden Boy.”
“This evidence clearly demonstrates that when it is in the best interests of Haymon Sports’ boxers, and consistent with its fiduciary duties, Haymon Sports freely permits its boxers to participate in bouts promoted by Golden Boy and other ‘legitimate’ promoters,” Walter wrote. “Moreover, the fact that these fights were extremely lucrative for these so-called ‘legitimate’ promoters demonstrates that Haymon Sports is not attempting to harm competition by unlawfully tying out or destroying these promoters.”
“There is absolutely no evidence that Haymon Sports has ever refused a request by Golden Boy to promote one of its boxers during the covered period,” he wrote. He noted that in May 2015, a manager suggested to Golden Boy matchmaker Robert Diaz that he should try to place heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz on a PBC card to which Diaz responded, “Are you serious? You do know we have sued Haymon right?”
“Plaintiffs have been unable to present any evidence of harm to competition,” Walter wrote in his conclusion. “Instead, Plaintiffs have merely presented evidence of harm to themselves.”
