Manny Pacquiao's Manager Takes Dig At Ryan Garcia, 'Shady Characters' In Boxing

Ryan Garcia’s dream fight with Manny Pacquiao could be far from reality.

The boxing world was thrilled after interim WBC lightweight champion Garcia confirmed that he is set for a mega-fight with Pacquiao, which was later revealed to be an exhibition match.

However, Paradigm Sports boss Auide Attar shut down Garcia’s claim, insisting that the world’s only eight-division titlist is preparing for neither a professional nor an exhibition fight at the moment.

In a lengthy press release, Attar took a dig at some “shady characters” in the boxing industry.

“The boxing industry has a history of shady characters being involved. These individuals introduce confusion and spread false rumors solely for their own interests. Unfortunately, this only ends up hurting the fighters," Attar wrote.

“It has come to our attention that some of these individuals are once again spreading false and inaccurate rumors that are self-serving without the authority of Senator Pacquiao or Paradigm Sports,” he continued. “Senator Pacquiao engaged Paradigm Sports as his exclusive representatives last year because he wants to close out the final chapters of his historic boxing career in a meaningful way."

“No one outside of Paradigm Sports is involved in any way with the management of Senator Pacquiao’s boxing career at this time,” the statement added. “Anyone falsely representing themselves as Senator Pacquiao’s manager or representative as it relates to his remaining fight career may face legal repercussions.”

Though a fight with Garcia is clearly not on Pacquiao’s agenda, Attar confirmed on behalf of the Filipino boxing legend that they are “working” on a fight that will soon be disclosed to the public.

“Paradigm Sports has a reputation in the combat sports industry for operating with integrity, professionalism, and transparency fighting for our clients, and we look forward to producing an incredible event with Senator Pacquiao in early 2021,” the manager stated. “I am working closely with Senator Pacquiao and his legal team in Manila on plans for his next fight. We will be sharing the details of this event in the coming weeks.”

Aside from Attar, Garcia’s camp also denied having anything to do with the rumored Pacquiao vs. Garcia exhibition match.

According to Golden Boy executive Eric Gomez, “nothing” has been confirmed between the two parties and there’s no way the fight is coming to fruition.

"There's nothing to talk about there," Gomez recently told ESPN. "They contacted us, but it turns out there's nothing to talk about. That fight isn't going to happen."