Senator Manny Pacquiao shrugged off the lawsuit filed by Paradigm Sports aimed to stop his upcoming welterweight boxing title bout with undefeated champion Errol Spence, saying it “has no merit.”

As per The Athletic, Paradigm Sports head Audie Attar said they were suing Pacquiao for breach of contract, claiming they were setting up Pacquiao for a fight against four-division titlist Mikey Garcia.

It was reported in April that Pacquiao was set to face Garcia, but the Filipino boxing icon announced in May that he would tangle with the American Spence in August.

Attar’s suit also sought to recoup $3.3 million in advances.

Responding to the lawsuit, Pacquiao said he did not commit a breach of contract when he signed to fight Spence.

“Paradigm Sports’ lawsuit against me has no merit,” Pacquiao said. “Under the agreement with Paradigm, I have an absolute right to engage in the upcoming bout with Errol Spence.”

“Sadly, this frivolous lawsuit intends to distract my preparations for a historic fight. But it does not bother me a bit.”

Pacquiao added he and his camp were prepared to counter the suit.

“My lawyers are on top of this lawsuit and are ready to file counter charges against Paradigm Sports,” Pacquiao said.

Now 42, Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) will fight for the first time in two years as he tries to wrest the World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation welterweight belts from Spence (27-0, 21 KOs).

Pacquiao last fought in July 2019 when he seized the World Boxing Association super welterweight belt following a split decision win over erstwhile unbeaten Keith Thurman.

The WBA, though, designated Pacquiao as “champion in recess” earlier this year due to his inactivity. – Rappler.com