Last month, in United States District Court, Central District of California, Judge Stephen Wilson dismissed the lawsuit filed by Heavyweight contender Dominic Breazeale and his trainer Manny Robles against WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, Marcellus Wilder (Deontay's younger brother) and Marriott International, Inc. in regards to a brawl that broke out in the Birmingham Marriott lobby after Wilder's title defense against Gerald Washington on February 25, 2017.
The complaint alleged assault and battery against the Wilder brothers, as well as premises liability and negligence against Marriott. According to the factual allegations of the complaint, Breazeale was sitting in the audience with his family after his thrilling victory over Izu Ugonoh and awaiting Deontay Wilder's fight, when Marcellus started shouting profanities at him. Marcellus then came over and stood in front of Breazeale, who had his son in his lap and continued to taunt and provoke Breazeale. Eventually, Breazeale decided to leave and return to the Marriott to avoid a confrontation.
The complaint further alleges that Deontay Wilder then made threatening statements about Breazeale at the post-fight press conference, including stating that it "ain't a problem I want to see him [about] in the ring. So, I'll see him."
A few hours after Deontay's press conference, as Breazeale, his family and Robles were in the lobby on their way to dinner, they were confronted by Marcellus and Deontay. The complaint alleges that words were exchanged and both Deontay and Marcellus threw punches at Breazeale, Robles and others in the vicinity. As Breazeale and his family tried to escape, Breazeale's wife allegedly asked Deontay to stop trying to provoke a fight in front of Breazeale's children and Deontay allegedly replied: "Fuck your kids." As Breazeale turned around on the way to the elevator, Marcellus allegedly sucker-punched him in the back of the head.
There is some very limited video footage of the brawl courtesy of TMZ.
The complaint in the case was filed on April 13, 2017. Marriott moved to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction in the state of California. On July 7, 2017, the Court ruled in Marriott's favor dismissing the case against them. On July 21, 2017, the Court then filed an order to show cause why the case should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution due to lack of proof that the summons and complaint had been served on all defendants. On August 9, 2017, the Court issued an order dismissing the case, stating the "[c]ase should have been closed on [entry of the order dismissing the case against Marriott] dated July 7, 2017."
See the orders dismissing the case, as well the order to show cause, below:
This blog is authored by Kurt Emhoff, a sports and entertainment attorney and boxing manager based in NYC. Kurt has represented clients in boxing for over 20 years. Kurt's current and former clients include world champions and contenders Cory Spinks, Paulie Malignaggi, Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin, Luis Collazo, Sam Soliman, Kermit Cintron, Derrick Gainer, Travis Simms, Terronn Millett, Peter Manfredo and Dmitriy Salita.
Showing posts with label TMZ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TMZ. Show all posts
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