Ryan Garcia has defended his trainer Derrick James after he filed a lawsuit against Errol Spence.
Garcia recently defeated Devin Haney in a sensational upset, with trainer James masterminding the win from his corner before the pair celebrated in the ring.
Former welterweight world champion Spence lost to Terence Crawford in an undisputed clash in July 2023, before deciding to part ways with James himself, who he had worked with since before the London 2012 Olympic Games.
It emerged this week that coach James has filed a lawsuit against Spence seeking ‘no less than $5 million’ in damages for alleged fraud and breach of contract. Spence is counter-suing in an attempt to get the complaint dismissed.
Garcia, who came to the defence of his trainer, spoke brutally in a video aimed at Spence, shouting: “Yo Spence has got beef with my coach.
“What’s good? Come see me. You want to sue him, I want to beat you up. That is facts, I will knock out Errol nice.”
James complaint alleges he ‘found out about Spence’s breach of contract, fraudulent business practices and misrepresentations’ after the Crawford fight.
It also claims that James was first only paid $350,000 for his services after the damaging defeat – ten per cent of Spence’s guaranteed $2.5 million minimum purse (plus a $100,000 bonus) as opposed to ten per cent of his total purse claimed to be around $25 million.
James’ attorney Adraon D. Greene has also alleged within the lawsuit that a text message from Spence which read ‘What’s the number [owed]? $2.15 million? Since I already paid you $350,000?’ acknowledges the financial arrangement between the pair.
Spence has yet to issue full comment on the matter.
It appears that ‘The Truth’ will no longer be working as a stablemate to Garcia in James’ stable, and he has yet to pencil in a confirmed date for his next fight.
A fight between ‘King Ry’ and Spence could actually be a realistic option given Garcia missed weight for his planned 140lbs WBC world title clash with Haney.
He has since teased a bout at catchweight, or could even move up to meet Spence at his desired weight.
Garcia is likely to continue his link-up with James for the forseeable given his recent success, and a whole host of options could now lay in waiting including a sequel with previous conqueror Gervonta Davis.
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News Summary:
- ‘I will beat you up’ – Ryan Garcia calls out Errol Spence over trainer lawsuit
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