The hotly anticipated fight between boxers Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao was one of the hottest conversation topics last week, and it also sparked the number one article on Law Street, written by Alexis Evans. The number two article, also by Alexis Evans, focused on a lawsuit filed by a Nebraska woman, suing all homosexuals in the United States. Rounding out the top three articles of the week was a piece by Lewis & Clark Law School that takes a look at the meaning of victims’ rights in the U.S. justice system. ICYMI, check out the best of the week from Law Street.

#1 Will Pacquaio’s Real “Fight of the Century” Be a Legal Battle?

Ever since Floyd “Money” Mayweather defeated Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao in the supposed “Fight of the Century,” boxing’s fans have wondered if Mayweather would squash retirement rumors for a future Pacquiao rematch. However, the Filipino welterweight might be facing perjury charges instead of a rematch, after news broke that he lied about an existing severe shoulder injury on his pre-fight medical questionnaire. Read full article here.

#2 Nebraska Woman Sues “All Homosexuals”

Last week I wrote about the Supreme Court beginning to hear arguments in a historic gay marriage case that could potentially lead to same-sex marriage being approved nationally. And while many rejoiced at the possibility of loving couples across the country finally being able to marry in all 50 states, others adamantly disapproved, turning to their keyboards to share their objections online. However, one Nebraska woman took her opposition to same-sex couples to new heights by deciding to sue all homosexuals. Yes, you read that correctly, the defendant in this case is listed as “Homosexuals.” Read full story here. 

#3 Victims in the Justice System: What Are Their Rights?

An unfortunate reality of the world in which we live is that new crimes are perpetrated and new victims are created every day. There’s a firmly carved out space in our justice system–and by extension, our society–for offenders. But what about the victims of crimes? What spaces do they occupy in our justice system, and what rights do they have? Read full story here.

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post ICYMI: Best of the Week appeared first on Law Street.

Ever since Floyd “Money” Mayweather defeated Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao in the supposed “Fight of the Century,” boxing’s fans have wondered if Mayweather would squash retirement rumors for a future Pacquiao rematch. However, the Filipino welterweight might be facing perjury charges instead of a rematch, after news broke that he lied about an existing severe shoulder injury on his pre-fight medical questionnaire.

Manny Pacquiao could be prosecuted for perjury after failing to disclose shoulder injury http://t.co/jrM7jV8jVS pic.twitter.com/7kVf3rNbUV

— Telegraph Sport (@TelegraphSport) May 5, 2015

On his questionnaire Pacquiao checked “no” for a question asking whether or not he suffered any shoulder injuries, but after the fight he complained that shoulder pain had inhibited his performance during the fight. Monday, Pacquiao confirmed that he had suffered a severe tear in his rotator cuff that would require surgery and 9-12 months of rehabilitation. As it turns out, Pacquiao had been suffering from the severe shoulder injury since early April, but chose to fight injured in lieu of forfeiting a $300 million pay day split with Mayweather. According to the New York Daily News, Cisco Aguilar, the Nevada Athletic Commissioner chairman, said late Monday:

Disclosure is a big thing for us, and honesty. The commission at some point will have to discuss [Pacquiao’s medical questionnaire]. I’ve got to run through the process with the [Nevada] Attorney General [Adam Laxalt]. But they do sign that document under the penalty of perjury.”

Because he lied on his medical form, it’s rumored that the Nevada Athletic Commission could end up slapping Pacquiao with a hefty fine or even issue him a suspension. There could also be a licensing issue if Pacquiao’s lawyer signed the fraudulent questionnaire.

But that’s not all Pacquiao has to worry about. According to Time magazine, Stephane Vanel and Kami Rahbaran, “on behalf of all persons who purchased tickets; purchased the pay per view event or who wagered money on the event,” named Pacquiao in a $5 million class action lawsuit that claims damages for those who “were victimized by [the] Defendants’ failure to disclose and to cover up the injuries of Defendant Pacquiao.” There is huge possibility that Pacquiao could end up having to pay, reports the New York Daily News, pointing out:

There is case law that supports a possible class-action suit, where ticket holders could argue they didn’t get what was promised – had Pacquiao been 100% healthy, it could have been a more entertaining fight.

Apparently, fight officials weren’t made aware of Pacquiao’s injury until just hours before the scheduled match when he asked if he could take an anti-inflammatory shot, which was approved by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, to alleviate his shoulder pain.

Mayweather has hinted he’d be down for a rematch, but the real question is whether or not people would even be interested. Poor performance, insane pay-per-view costs, and Pacquiao’s controversy may have very well been the final nails in professional boxing’s coffin.

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.

The post Will Pacquaio’s Real “Fight of the Century” Be a Legal Battle? appeared first on Law Street.