Derrick James has sued Errol Spence Jr. for a breach of contract relating to unpaid wages.
The two no longer work together after Spence parted ways following his loss to Terence Crawford. Spence was dropped three times before getting stopped in round nine. James was criticized for not doing enough in the corner, as Crawford became the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era.
James was working with Anthony Joshua and Ryan Garcia, indicating he could not give Spence his full attention. The rematch with Crawford never happened, as James and Spence went their way. Now, it appears the disharmony has continued. The trainer filed a lawsuit on April 17 in Dallas County, Texas, demanding damages of at least $5 million. Spence responded with a countersuit.
James Sues Spence
The lawsuit alleges James found “Spence’s breach of contract, fraudulent business practices and misrepresentations after Spence received the $25 million guaranteed fight purse” for the Crawford fight. It is alleged James was only paid $350,000. However, James’ camp states he was entitled to 10 percent of the total revenue from the fight purse and PPV money.
Spence states there was a conversation between him and James. It happened on February 13 claiming, he told James he “was not entitled to receive 10 percent of his guaranteed purse. Spence asserted someone named ‘Al’ told him that paying James $350,000 for the Crawford fight in exchange for his training services was ‘generous.’”
James’ attorney stated “no one named ‘Al’ was present when James and Spence originally entered into their agreement. … Any alleged reliance by Spence on advice from someone named ‘Al’ regarding James’ compensation is misplaced.”
The lawsuit states Spence told James in a February 15 phone call that he “did rob” James. He also allegedly said in a text message that he “wanted to own up to his own…[up] and pay James the remaining $2.15 million that kept with their verbal agreement.” The money never came, as both sides are now in court.
Garcia Reacts
Spence has yet to comment on this publicly. However, that has not gone down well with Spence’s former stablemate Ryan Garcia. The fighter had confirmed those reports, stating that Spence had not stopped James. Following Garcia’s win over Devin Haney, he called out Spence, stating that he wanted to fight him at 147.
There is a narrative for that fight to happen since they both trained together and are fully aware of each other’s game. The fight would generate a big audience now that Garcia is seen as the face of boxing. Since Spence is looking to get back into big-time boxing following that one-sided loss to Crawford, there is a chance it could happen. Spence is currently looking for a new trainer and opponent, with Garcia eying Spence.
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