Derrick James, a notable boxing trainer, has filed a lawsuit against former welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. The suit was lodged in Dallas County, Texas. It claims fraud and breach of contract, seeking damages of $5 million. This legal action follows a contention over unpaid earnings from Spence's recent $25 million bout against Terence Crawford.
James alleges that Spence failed to pay him 10% of the purse money as previously agreed. This discrepancy came to light after the Crawford fight payout. Initially, James received $350,000 instead of the $2.5 million due based on their agreement. According to conversations between the two on February 13 and 15, Spence first denied then admitted his failure to pay the agreed percentage. On February 16, Spence texted James, promising to pay the outstanding amount of $2.15 million, which he failed to fulfill.
Adraon D. Greene, representing Derrick James stated that Spence’s actions were intentional and described them as willful and malicious. Greene also noted that Spence’s reliance on advice from 'Al,' likely Al Haymon – head of Premier Boxing Champions and Spence’s manager, was misplaced and did not excuse his contractual failures.
On his part, Errol Spence Jr., now working with a new trainer after his stint with James concluded post-Crawford bout, hasn't commented on the lawsuit. He had also not provided any detailed accounting for other pay-per-view bouts as might have been expected under their original arrangement.
Meanwhile, Derrick James continues his professional commitments undistracted by ongoing legal issues; he recently guided lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia to an upset victory and is preparing Frank Martin for his looming fight on June 15.
