King sues Arum over Chavez bout

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Don King Productions, Inc., has filed suit against rival promoter Top Rank Inc., of Las Vegas, headed by rival promoter Bob Arum, to stop Julio Cesar Chavez from fighting Ken Sigurani June 25 on a card at Foxwood's Resort in Connecticut.

The federal lawsuit is asking for $100 million in damages from Arum, HBO and Top Rank.

"This lawsuit seeks to enjoin the upcoming Julio Cesar Chavez fight," Tom Equels, an attorney for Don King Productions, said. "It claims these defendants have willfully and maliciously interfered with the long-standing business and contractual relationship between Chavez and Don King Productions."

Cary Lubetsky, another King attorney said: "The complaint clearly shows that contracts existed between Chavez and Don King Productions, that these defendants knew of the contracts and that they intentionally paid Chavez to breach these agreements."

According to Top Rank, Tuesday's lawsuit stems from Chavez suing King in Florida several months ago on the grounds his contract with King was invalid.

King tried and failed in Florida state court to get an injunction hearing that would have prevented Chavez from dissolving his ties with King.

It is Top Rank's belief that the federal judge will defer to the state judge.

If Chavez were to beat Sigurani, Arum plans to put him in a rematch against WBC welterweight champion Oscar De La Hoya on Sept. 18 at the Thomas and Mack Center.

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