Manny Pacquiao signs with same agency that represents Conor McGregor

[Ruthless-RKO]

https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/ ... r-mcgregor

Manny Pacquiao has signed with Paradigm Sports Management, the company announced on Tuesday.

In its announcement, the agency said he signed because he is looking to "solidify the final years of his boxing legacy."

According to the announcement, Pacquiao -- a reigning welterweight world titleholder, the only fighter to win world titles in eight weight classes and a sitting senator in the Philippines -- and his existing team will partner with Paradigm.

"I am proud to partner with Paradigm Sports Management and am excited for the opportunities that [Paradigm president and CEO] Audie Attar and PSM have to offer," Pacquiao said in a statement. "One thing I want everyone to remember is to always think positively. Never think negatively; that is the beginning of your downfall. Everything is possible."

The signing adds Pacquiao to a company that also manages UFC superstar Conor McGregor. There has been ample talk from both sides about a possible Pacquiao-McGregor crossover boxing match. McGregor moved over to the boxing ring in 2017 and lost by knockout to Floyd Mayweather in the second-highest-grossing combat sports event of all time, behind only Mayweather's decision win over Pacquiao in their long-awaited 2015 showdown to unify welterweight world titles.

Shortly after Paradigm's announcement, McGregor tweeted, "Welcome to the team Emmanuel," referring to Pacquiao's full first name.



"I'm honored to have the opportunity not only to maximize Manny's boxing career but to help him continue to leave a legacy he is proud of through the lens of business and sport," Attar said in a statement. "My approach is to focus on each client and their goals always, and I look forward to fighting on his behalf."

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), 41, has had his last two fights with Premier Boxing Champions after signing with adviser Al Haymon. He easily outpointed Adrien Broner in January 2019 to retain a secondary welterweight belt and then outpointed Keith Thurman in July to take his "super" title in one of the best performances of his career.

Sean Gibbons, CEO of Pacquiao's MP Promotions and one of his closest advisers, told ESPN on Tuesday night that Pacquiao was still "1000% with PBC" and that he "has existing fights left with PBC."

[Ruthless-RKO]

California court delivers Manny Pacquiao victory over Conor McGregor's agent

Manny Pacquiao’s legal battle with combat sports agent Audie Attar and his Paradigm Sports Management has been officially pronounced a courtroom triumph for the eight-division champion from the Philippines.

“Knockout complete!” Pacquiao adviser Sean Gibbons texted BS late Sunday night.

Gibbons distributed news reports and courtroom documents from last week showing that the Orange County (Calif.) Superior Court affirmed the decision by Judge Walter Schwarn to toss the verdict that originally awarded Attar/Paradigm $5.1 million for breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

Instead, Schwarm reportedly found that Attar – a former UCLA football player who represents former UFC champion Conor McGregor and others – was not licensed as a manager under California law.

Pacquiao had previously negotiated with Attar/Paradigm with a boxing match against McGregor among the possible deal points.

“The court finds … the contract void due to illegality,” the Philippines Business Mirror reported after reviewing court documents.

“Manny Pacquiao … did nothing wrong,” Gibbons told the Business Mirror.