Fanmio CEO Solomon Engel has responded to Nate Diaz’s claims that he owes the former UFC star $9 million for a recent fight with Jorge Masvidal.
Engel released a statement following Diaz’s lawsuit, which claims breach of contract and fraudulent activities over the recent bout broadcast on DAZN.
Diaz said in the legal papers, “Fanmio and Engel are now reneging on their written and oral promises and guarantees to pay $9 million owing to Diaz because they claim they will lose money on the event.
“In a flurry of desperate calls to Diaz’s representatives following the event, Engel despondently groveled that he was going to lose more money than he had anticipated on the event if he paid Diaz what he had promised and that his wife might divorce him because of the financial losses. Engel went so far as to threaten he might have to declare bankruptcy to avoid paying Diaz what he owed.
“There is nothing lower or more despicable in the world of boxing than a boxing promoter who allows a fighter to put their health and safety on the line in a boxing event so that the promoter has the chance to make tremendous profits, only to later renege on paying the boxer following the event.”
The suit adds, “Diaz would have never participated in the event if his representatives had not received the foregoing assurances from Fanmio and Engel via their attorney.”
In his response to Diaz, Engel states, “Nate Diaz has filed a frivolous lawsuit against Fanmio which claims that fraud and breach of contract were committed by Fanmio, yet neither has taken place. In fact, Diaz has already been paid seven figures in connection with the fight.
“I look forward to resolving this dispute through the appropriate process and am confident that justice will prevail. Making salacious and defamatory statements to the media to harm my family and it has only strengthened my resolve to ensure that the truth will triumph,” concluded the Fanmio boss.
Previously staging the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul event, Engel faced allegations from a Miami consultant that he had not paid for their services after the dust had settled. This latest round of legal sparring is far more high-profile than the last, though.
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