‘One of the Best Boxers in the World’ Files Lawsuit Against Promotional Company
Decorated Amateur Andy Cruz, who signed with Matchroom Boxing earlier this year and has a 2-0 professional record thus far, has filed an eight-count complaint against New Champions Promotions, LLC (NCP) and company president Jesse Rodriguez individually. BoxingScene.com and Dan Rafael have both reported the submission of the lawsuit.
Andy Cruz Files Lawsuit Against New Champions Promotions
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Cruz Takes Action Over Unpaid Signing Bonus
BoxingScene.com have reported the 2020 Olympic Gold medalist Andy Cruz has filed an eight-count complaint against New Champions Promotions and their company president, Jesse Rodriguez. The lawsuit was submitted to the U.S. District Court for Northern District of California
As explained in the report, the complaint makes reference to the Ali Act, Violation of the California Business and Professions Code §§18628, Breach of Contract, Breach of Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Conversion, Account and Declaratory Relief.
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Gregory Smith, as the representative of Cruz, said regarding the lawsuit. “Tragically, Cruz’s promoter, New Champions Promotions, LLC. and its principal, Jesse Rodriguez, have abused Cruz’s trust by taking his money, which is both a breach of their contract and a violation of the law.” Smith added: “Despite having only participated in two professional boxing matches, Cruz is acknowledged as one of the best boxers in the world at his division.”
The Cuban boxer is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, with Matchroom Boxing also named in the complaint, but only as the co-promoter of Cruz and not because of any wrongdoing. The report also mentions that Rodriguez signed Cruz under the promise they would promote his bouts but instead arranged a co-promotional contract with Matchroom. The suggestion is Rodriguez acted as both a manager and promoter—a violation of the Ali Act.
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The agreement permits the payments for Cruz to be made from Matchroom to NCP – with the expectation that he would receive the correct amount. The complaint says the Cuban fighter only received a portion of his signing bonus, with the rest retained by NCP for the benefit of the company and Rodriguez.
The Miami resident acknowledges in the lawsuit that Matchroom have honoured all agreed payments, but NCP are attempting to act as his manager and not his co-promoter. In the report, Smith also said: “A judicial determination of the party’s rights is necessary and appropriate to ensure that NCP and/or DOES do not steal any more of Cruz’s money or interfere with his career.”
