Durban - A boxing tournament meant to have Floyd Mayweather and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in attendance at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, has been cancelled.
Mayweather’s legal representatives distanced themselves from the tournament organised by the promotion company J4Joy, saying in a letter that the company had reneged on its agreement and had not paid the fees it owed. The letter, addressed to J4Joy CEO, Arnold Nododile, accused them of breaching a contract with Mayweather’s The Money Team (TMT).
“Most notably, by failing to pay our client the agreed fee for his attendance at the event, which was due, owing and payable to our client over a month ago.” It further read: “We attach an image which falsely insinuates that our client will be boxing at the event, in circumstances where this image was not approved in terms of the agreement. Not only have you infringed Mr Mayweather’s image rights, but you have also violated clause 7 of the agreement.”
J4Joy was further instructed to immediately take down the “infringing image” and any other images of Mayweather, from any websites and other platforms. “You are further required to cease and desist from making any statements, or representing in any manner whatsoever, that our client is in any way affiliated with you or with the event ... For the purpose of clarity, our client will not be attending the event,” the legal letter read. The event, set to take place last Sunday, December 11, with ticket prices ranging from R150 to R50 000, was postponed to Thursday, December 15, before finally being called off.
The tournament was apparently endorsed by the king, who wanted the event to be part of his late father’s legacy. Prince Thulani Zulu, on behalf of the Zulu royal household, confirmed that the king was ready for the much-anticipated tournament on Thursday. The Zulu royal house has distanced itself from the legal issues between J4Joy and Mayweather’s team.
Nododile declined to comment on the legal issue and referred the Sunday Tribune to the letter signed by the king instructing the company to invite Mayweather to the tournament as a guest of honour. Boxers in Durban waiting for the tournament expressed frustration. A fighter, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, said he had mentally prepared himself for the match.
“We have to be weighed the day before a fight, so you’ll find that we are not eating for a certain period. “You are then told the tournament is postponed, then you’re told the fight is still on. It has been physically and emotionally draining,” said the boxer.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE