Boxer Floyd Mayweather has been ordered to pay Manny Pacquiao more than $100,000 (Dh367,000) in legal costs by a US judge after failing to answer questions from the Filipino star's lawyers in a defamation case.
American federal judge Larry Hicks awarded Pacquiao the legal fees and $774 in costs, because of "Mayweather's obviously intentional decision not to appear for his court ordered deposition."
Pacquiao filed a lawsuit three years ago in Las Vegas, saying that Mayweather defamed him by suggesting Pacquiao used performance-enhancing substances. The lawsuit seeks unspecific damages.
"Calling a professional athlete a cheater is the most serious charge one can make," the lawsuit said. "Accusing an athlete of using performance-enhancing drugs - however baseless and lacking in evidence - is toxic."
Pacquiao, currently preparing for a fourth fight against Juan Miguel Marquez this December, has never faced the undefeated Mayweather in the ring.
Mayweather was jailed eaarlier this year over a domestic violence incident.
The suit is viewed as one of the roadblocks to a much-anticipated mega fight, which has been tipped to be held in the UAE.
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us
[ @SprtNationalUAE ]
