Big News: Class-Action Lawsuits Nailed Down by the 9th Circuit
Fans of the “Fight of the Century” found their hopes dashed in a court decision that put a stop to the class‑action hopes over Manny Pacquiao’s hidden wrist injury. It turns out you can’t sue just because you felt cheated.
The Heart of the Matter
- Pacquiao had a shoulder injury, discovered just three hours before the bell rang on May 2, 2015.
- The bout went 12 full rounds, ending in Mayweather’s unanimous decision win.
- Tens of thousands of people paid for tickets and PPV and expected fireworks. What they got was a “yawner” quite literally.
Judge Nguyen’s Verdict
Circuit Judge Jacqueline Nguyen ruled 3‑0 that the fans got what they paid for and therefore suffered no legal injury.
- Allowing the case to proceed might force every athlete to disclose injuries, creating loopholes for opponents and opening the floodgates for lawsuits.
- She pointed out a New York court had previously dismissed fraud claims when Mike Tyson bit Holyfield’s ear in 1997; fans paid for whatever even happened at the ring.
- She wrote, “The match may have lacked drama, but Pacquiao’s shoulder didn’t stop him from punching for 12 rounds.”
Ticket Prices and the Pay‑Per‑View Storm
Tickets started at $1,500 and could skyrocket to $231,000 on resale sites. PPV subscribers paid up to $10,000. That’s a lot of cash for a fight that ended with a single point on the scorecards.
Defendants and Legal Voices
- Mayweather, Pacquiao, HBO’s AT&T unit, Top Rank, Bob Arum, and others were the primary defendants.
- Top Rank’s lawyer Daniel Petrocelli celebrated the decision: “We’re very pleased. The court reinforced the principle that fans, however passionate, can’t just sue for disappointment.”
- Neither Mayweather’s lawyer Mark Tratos nor HBO’s legal team responded to our inquiries.
What This Means for the Boxing World
In short, the decision preserves the experience of pay‑per‑view fights and re‑affirms that disappointment in a sports event isn’t a valid legal injury. It keeps the sport free from countless new lawsuits that would arise if every twist in an athlete’s health were exposed.
HBO, which had cut back boxing broadcasts in 2018, remains a snowy spot in the ring‑watch landscape. This ruling, carried out by the Pasadena‑based appellate court, also upheld the 2017 dismissal by Judge Gary Klausner in Los Angeles.
Bottom Line
If you’re a boxing fan, you’re better off cheering (or moaning) on the TV rather than filing a lawsuit. The courts have spoken: Video, if real, is all you’ll get, and that’s fine.
