Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Carl facing claims of £4m over split from Mcguigan
Court hears scale of counter-lawsuit
BOXER Carl Frampton is facing total claims for nearly £4million over his split from ex-manager and mentor Barry Mcguigan, the High Court heard yesterday.
The scale of the counter-lawsuit against the former world champion emerged as he completed his evidence in the high-stakes legal battle.
A judge was also told the North Belfast fighter, known as the Jackal, once trusted the Mcguigan family so much that he asked them to forge his signature.
The 33-year-old is seeking up to £6million in alleged withheld earnings during an eight-year partnership.
His action involves claims against Cyclone Promotions UK Ltd – of which Mr Mcguigan was a director – over purse fees, broadcasting rights, ticket sales and merchandising.
On day six of the case, attention turned to separate litigation filed against Mr Frampton for alleged breach of contract when he left the firm in 2017.
The court heard Mr Mcguigan is claiming £2.19million in total for terminating his arrangement as manager.
Asked by his barrister Gavin Millar QC to comment on the figure, Mr Frampton said: “It seems a lot of money for a 25% cut... it’s extremely large.”
Mr Mcguigan’s son Blain, who played a role in promoting the boxer’s shows, is also suing Mr Frampton.
According to Mr Millar, that writ involved claims for £1.66million.
“Again, that seems very large,” Mr Frampton told him.
Liam Mccollum QC, for Mr Mcguigan, took Mr Frampton through correspondence dealing with a pre-fight contract. In an email, the boxer allegedly asked “could one of the lads forge my signature” rather than posting off documents.
He told the court: “Again, showing how trustworthy I was of the Mcguigans, and I was happy for them to do that.”
The barrister asked: “Trustworthy, to ask for someone to forge a signature?” He replied: “Yes, on a contract deal.” Mr Frampton said had he known Mr Mcguigan was di squalified as a company director for a period in the 1990s he would never have signed for him. Asked if he realised current promoter Frank Warren had also been disqualified around the same time, he replied: “No.”
Mr Mccollum questioned why he had not tried to find out if it was such an important issue.
The fighter said: “The difference b etw een Frank Warren and Mr Mcguigan at the time was that Frank Warren was an established promoter.
“Frank Warren has continued to put on huge boxing events for decades. He has a proven track record.
“If someone who [had been] disqualified as a director from a company, with no experience in managing fighters before, said I want to manage your career I would have said no.”
The boxer’s action centres on an alleged conflict of interest between Mr Mcguigan’s dual role as manager and promoter.
Mr Frampton further claims he never received a 30% profit share he says was promised to him when he signed up as a director of another Northern Irishbased Cyclone company.
Both men deny the allegations made against them. The hearing continues.
Showing how trustworthy I was of the Mcguigans, I was happy for them to do that CARL FRAMPTON COURT YESTERDAY