The ‘Fight of the Century‘ may be over but controversies related to the battle seems to live on, which includes general dissatisfaction from the fans, high viewing fees with lackluster fighter performance,illegal streaming of the fight via Twitter Periscope that infringed on the promoter’s copyright and Pacquiao’s shoulder injury that was hidden from the promoters and fans before the fight.
According to ABC News, two Nevada fans are now filing a class action lawsuit against Pacquiao for his non-disclosure of his shoulder’s injury which according to their affidavits, had caused disappointment to ticket buyers and gamblers. Pacquiao had earlier filled a questionnaires before the fight, saying he had no injury whatsoever on his arm, according to Entertainment Weekly, quoting from BBC News.
The 37-year-old fighter said the injury influenced his loss to Mayweather, as it prevented him from being able to use his right hand properly.
“Defendants prior to and at the time the plaintiffs and the class decided to purchase tickets; purchase pay per view showings or wagered on the event the defendants knew and had full knowledge and information that defendant Pacquiao had been seriously injured and was suffering from a torn rotator cuff,” the lawsuit reads. “Defendants further know that such injury would severely affect his performance.”
The CEO of Twitter Dick Costolo also came under fire due to copyright infringement as some viewers used their smartphone to stream the fight live using Twitter’s new Periscope. The organizers alleged that they lost millions as many viewers were able to avoid the pay per view video that costs $100, according to the Malaysian Star.