By Bilal Ahmed
Planned Exhibition Cancelled
The planned exhibition boxing match between former multi-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather and Greek kickboxing star Mike Zambidis in Athens has been cancelled. The event, which was intended to be a pay-per-view spectacle at the Telekon Center at the OAKA Olympic Complex, will no longer proceed.
According to federal court filings, the cancellation stems from uncertainty surrounding the event’s status, which reportedly halted promotional activities, distribution plans, and ticket sales. An attorney involved in the case stated that the lack of clarity effectively stopped the event from moving forward.
Legal Disputes and Previous Bouts
The cancellation comes amidst ongoing legal action initiated by events company CSI against Mayweather. CSI is seeking an injunction in the Southern District Court of New York to prevent the Zambidis exhibition. The company alleges that Mayweather is in breach of contract regarding agreements for planned bouts against Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao.
CSI claims it paid Mayweather at least $4.65 million for exclusive rights to promote these planned bouts. The company filed for an emergency injunction and a temporary restraining order to prevent Mayweather from participating in other fights until he honours his existing contracts.
Mayweather, who retired from boxing in 2017 with a 50-0 record, has since participated in exhibition bouts. However, a planned exhibition against former heavyweight world champion Tyson did not materialise late last year. Additionally, plans for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao, which Netflix had announced for September, are also uncertain.
The proposed rematch with Pacquiao, intended for the Sphere in Las Vegas, would have been a significant event, following what was described as the top money-spinner in boxing history. However, this bout reportedly encountered issues after Mayweather stated it would be an exhibition, while Pacquiao maintained he had signed for an official fight.
The Sphere has since booked a concert for the date previously associated with the Pacquiao versus Mayweather event. The attorney for CSI indicated that the bout against Zambidis, an 18-time world champion known for his career in K-1 MAX, could potentially be rescheduled at a later date.
Court Proceedings and Financial Claims
A teleconference was held on Wednesday with a federal judge for the Southern District of New York, involving the parties in the legal dispute. During this hearing, CSI detailed the date for the Tyson exhibition and provided an update on its location. The company also discussed plans to move the Pacquiao fight into 2027.
CSI asserts that Mayweather has received over $4.5 million in advances for the Tyson and Pacquiao events. The company’s legal action aims to ensure Mayweather fulfills his contractual obligations for these two already-signed events before engaging in other fights.
The judge did not issue a decision on Wednesday but stated that a ruling would be made on Thursday. The legal proceedings highlight the complexities surrounding high-profile exhibition matches and contractual agreements in professional combat sports.
The uncertainty surrounding the Athens event for the 45-year-old Zambidis has led to its immediate cancellation, with potential for rescheduling in the future.
Source: tribune.com.pk
