By Elliot Foster
Barry McGuigan and Cyclone Promotions have moved to clarify the reasons behind their legal action against former fighter Carl Frampton.
Frampton, the McGuigans and Cyclone split earlier this year, prior to the former two-weight world champion linking up with MTK Global as advisors to his career and Frank Warren as his new promoter, along with Jamie Moore who replaced Barry’s son Shane McGuigan as head trainer.
The popular Ulsterman, 30, suffered his first career defeat earlier this year, when he travelled to Las Vegas and lost a 12-round decision in his rematch with Leo Santa Cruz at the MGM Grand.
Follow that defeat, there were rumours of tension behind the scenes between Frampton and McGuigan –– and then eventually the boxer announced that he was a free agent, although McGuigan maintained that he had certain contractual rights with Frampton.
And after Frampton’s successful ring return, a 10-round points victory over Mexico’s Horacio Garcia at the SSE Arena in Belfast on November 18, it was revealed by Frampton’s legal representatives, Finucane Toner, that proceedings had been lodged.
But now, in a statement, Cyclone have issued their point of view on the matter.
“For some weeks now, Cyclone Promotions has been attempting to mediate a settlement with Carl Frampton and his representatives,” the statement read.
“This mediation was ended by Carl Frampton’s solicitors when a settlement could not be reached. The company, therefore, lodged a claim against Carl Frampton relating to his breach of the promotional contract entered with Cyclone Promotions at the High Court.
“Cyclone Promotions is merely seeking a fair and equitable resolution to this contract dispute with Carl Frampton.
“The courts will now decide on the matter and since our claim marks the start of that process, it will therefore not be appropriate to make any further statement.
“Cyclone Promotions will be making no further comment.”
‘The Jackal’ is said to be “deeply disappointed” by the move but would “defend his action rigorously and will counter claim on several grounds.”
Further details on proceedings will be revealed in due course.
