Derrick James, a renowned trainer, has filed a lawsuit against former welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., seeking damages of at least $5 million for fraud and breach of contract. The legal action follows shortly after James crafted the strategy that led to a stunning victory, featuring a series of brutal left hooks. However, James claims that Spence has failed to honor their financial agreement, specifically the promised 10% cut of the purse from Spence’s fights, including a high-profile bout against Terence Crawford.
According to the lawsuit filed in Dallas County, Texas, James only received $350,000 following Spence's ninth-round TKO loss to Crawford, despite Spence receiving a guaranteed fight purse of $25 million. This payment came after what James describes as Spence’s “first, crushing defeat,” indicating a deeper dispute over the financial arrangements between the two.
The lawsuit also details a conversation on February 13, where Spence allegedly told James he was not entitled to the agreed 10% of his guaranteed purse, suggesting that someone named “Al” had advised him that paying James $350,000 was already “generous.” It’s unclear whether “Al” refers to Al Haymon, Spence’s manager and head of Premier Boxing Champions, as the lawsuit does not confirm his identity.
Furthermore, the lawsuit mentions that Spence admitted in a February 15 phone call that he had “robbed” James by underpaying him, and expressed a desire to rectify the situation by paying the remaining $2.15 million in line with their verbal agreement. However, despite Spence’s acknowledgment and promise to pay, the funds were reportedly never delivered.
This legal battle marks a significant rift in a long-standing professional relationship, as James and Spence have worked together since before the 2012 Summer Olympics. The dispute raises questions about the interpretation and fulfillment of their financial agreements, particularly in relation to the lucrative pay-per-view sales that have boosted Spence’s earnings well beyond the guaranteed purses.
The situation remains unresolved, with James's attorney, Adraon D. Greene, emphasizing that Spence’s failure to fulfill his promises is not only a breach of contract but also an act of willful and malicious conduct.
Image Credit: PBC