Slugger Wants Out of De La Hoya’s Firm

LOS ANGELES (CN) - Boxer James Kirkland says in Federal Court that Oscar De La Hoya's company illegally extended his contracts beyond sports commission limits.

The middleweight boxer allegedly entered into promoter and management agreements with Golden Boy Promotions; nonparty managers Michael Miller Esq. and Anne Wolf; and nonparty trainer Donald "Pops" Billingsley in 2008.

He now seeks to void five-year extensions that he signed in 2011, covering management deals with Golden Boy Promotions, Michael Miller and nonparty Cameron Dunkin dba D & D Boxing.

De La Hoya, nicknamed the Golden Boy, is not a party to the complaint. Kirkland seeks declaratory judgment and an injunction against Golden Boy Promotions and a subsidiary.

Golden Boy's breaches could cause Kirkland's suspension or end his boxing career - his "only means to earn a living," according to the complaint.

Since Kirkland signed up with Golden Boy, he has fought three times apiece in Nevada and California, and twice in Texas, the eight-page complaint says.

"The promoter agreement states it is in accord with all 'applicable commission rules and regulations,'" according to the complaint.

"It further states that in the event Kirkland fails or is unable to perform the promoter has the right to extend the promoter agreement for the applicable period of time," Kirkland added. "The promoter agreement further states if Kirkland wins a major world title, the promoter agreement shall be extended for the term of 5 additional bouts and if Kirkland extends any media contract, the promoter agreement shall be extended for the like period. ... In the same paragraph, it states in no event shall the term of this agreement extend beyond the maximum term permitted by any applicable law or regulation."

De La Hoya founded Golden Boy Promotions in 2002. It has more than 50 fighters under contract, according to the firm's website.

Kirkland is represented by Sekou Gary with Gary, Williams, Lewis & Watson of Stuart, Fla. Waukeen McCoy, a San Francisco attorney, is serving as co-counsel. The Austin, Texas, boxer seeks damages and a jury trial for breach of contract.

Golden Boy Promotions did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

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