Frampton tells the court that he trusted McGuigan as a father



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On the second day of a multi-million pound legal action by Carl Frampton against Barry McGuigan he was told that the Belfast boxer trusted his former manager in the same way that he trusted his own father.

When presenting evidence, Carl Frampton told the Belfast High Court that he signed many documents and contracts that were presented to him by Barry McGuigan and his family without reading them because he trusted them.

When asked why he signed a 2015 contract, which he said he had not read, he replied: “Because I trusted them and they asked me to sign it.

“If my dad asked me to sign something, I’ll sign it because I trust him, and that was exactly the same opinion he had of the McGuigans.”

When questioned by his lawyer Gavin Millar QC, he repeatedly said that he had trusted his former manager, so he did not ask to read the documents that he was asked to sign.

The former North Belfast world champion, nicknamed the Jackal, ended his relationship with Barry McGuigan in August 2017.

He claims he is owed prize money for fights in Northern Ireland, England and the United States.

Lawyers for Barry McGuigan have said all of the allegations are categorically denied.

Carl Frampton is suing his former manager and a company run by his family, Cyclone Promotions, for alleged failure to pay the award.

In a previous court hearing the claim was said to be for alleged unpaid winnings of more than £ 4 million.

The boxer told the court this morning that he was never paid as director of Cyclone Promotions, despite being promised 30% of his earnings.

As evidence, Frampton claimed that he had questioned the financial arrangements with two of McGuigan’s sons, Jake and Blane.

“Both responses were very similar, ‘We do not make a profit, there is not enough money in this game, we receive a salary.’

“I think Jake told me he made 30 grand a year.”

Barry McGuigan never discussed finances with him, it was alleged.

When told that he should have sought answers from the man who was also his manager, Frampton replied: “It was always difficult to talk to Barry about money matters.”

He said he expressed concern about his endorsement deals compared to other less marketable fighters, but was reportedly informed that he did not want to be covered in logos such as “a racing driver.”

“Many times I had the impression that he (Mr. McGuigan) didn’t really know what was going on,” added the boxer.

He claimed that they also discussed the possibility of reaching a major agreement similar to the agreements sprinter Usain Bolt and soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo have with sports brand giants Puma and Nike, respectively.

Carl Frampton is being sued in a separate legal action by Barry McGuigan, for alleged breach of contract over his departure from the company.

Both men deny any wrongdoing.

The case is expected to last two weeks.



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