Carl Frampton claims Cyclone “withheld earnings” and Barry McGuigan “abused” his trust
Cyclone Promotions withheld earnings from Carl Frampton allege ‘The Jackal’s’ legal team.
The High Court in London yesterday heard allegations suggesting the former two-weight World champion wasn’t paid properly which “unjustly enriched” then promoters Cyclone Promotions. It was also put to a judge that Frampton’s parents believe they lodged up to £1 million raised through selling tickets for their son’s bouts into McGuigan’s bank account.
The boxer has issued a writ in Northern Ireland over an alleged failure to pay sums due from purses. The writ refers to contracts for bouts in Northern Ireland, England and the United States.
The action is being taken against Barry McGuigan, his wife Sandra McGuigan, and Cyclone Promotions.
The writ is part of a Frampton counter-claim to separate legal proceedings brought against him by his former promoters, which centre on an alleged breach of contract following his departure from the outfit.
The McGuigans categorically denied the claims.
Before the lawsuit proceeds a preliminary hearing must first be completed regarding which jurisdiction the case will be tried in, with Frampton wanting it to take place in his native Belfast while the McGuigans push for London.
During yesterday’s hearing, evidence was read from Frampton’s sworn statement.
The boxer, who turned 31 last week, said he first became suspicious about the Cyclone and the McGuigans ahead of his massive PPV clash with Scott Quigg.
The statement read to the court said that “I expected him [Barry McGuigan] to safeguard my interests but I believe he abused that trust and was assisted by Sandra McGuigan in this regard.”
“I believe they made undisclosed financial gain.”
The court heard that the “final straw” for Frampton came in 2017 when tax inspectors called to his family home with a bill for £397,000 relating to unpaid VAT by Cyclone.
Frampton would resign his directorship with Cyclone prior to his ill-fated fight with Andres Gutierrez and he would subsequently announce that he was leaving the outfit.
He has since signed up with promoter Frank Warren as well as taking on management company Mack The Knife Global as advisors.
Frampton is currently preparing for his April 21st clash with Nonito Donaire at the SSE Odyssey Arena, training with Jamie Moore in Manchester.