It’s ludicrous to say I stole champ’s cash
McGuigan hits back over money claims
Mr McGuigan said it was “ludicrous” to suggest he had kept any money from the former boxing champ, 33.
The boxer is suing Mr McGuigan over alleged unpaid earnings, and Mr Frampton has been accused of a breach of contract.
Both men deny any wrongdoing.
Ex-world champion McGuigan was asked by Liam McCollum QC, at the hearing in the High Court in Belfast, if he had ever stolen or concealed money from Mr Frampton.
“No, never,” replied Mr McGuigan, 59. He was then asked if he had ever “siphoned” money into his own account. “That’s ludicrous, no,” he replied.
Asked about his priorities at the time, he said: “Two prime objectives – get him to the top, get him to a world title fight and get him as much money as I can.”
He said that his sons and Mr Frampton were “like best mates” whi le the family guided his career. But their relationship ended after they came to Belfast for an illfated fight against Andres Gutierrez in
July 2017.
The contest was ultimately called off when the Mexican slipped and injured himself in the shower on the eve of the bout. By that stage, however, Mr Frampton had already failed to make the weight – a development which left his former manager “surprised and shocked”.
Talking about Mr Frampton’s current management agents MTK Global, who he has lost another four fighters to, he said: “They are despicable.”
He successfully objected to the British Boxing Board of Control over this.
“I was exonerated and allowed to get my percentage of their purses right to the end of their contracts,” said Mr McGuigan. The hearing continues.
I had two objectives get him a world title fight & get him money
BARRY MCGUIGAN ON MANAGING CARL FRAMPTON