ESPINOSA FACING 2 LAWSUITS IN U.S.
Manila, Aug. 20, 1998 - Filipino fans of Luisito Espinosa may have a long wait ahead before they can see their idol on Philippine soil again. The World Boxing Council featherweight champion is battling two cases in the United States, both arising from contract disputes.
The 31-year-old Espinosa, who defended his WBC title in a controversial, riot-marred bout last Sunday in El Paso, Texas, is being sued by his former handlers.
The two cases were reportedly being filed by Filipino Jimmy Zuño in Colorado and by American Sydney Hall in California. Both claim that Luisito had forged contract with them for the two to handle Luisito's fights in the US. They claim that they were unceremoniously dumped when Luisito linked up exclusively with America Presents, the promoter responsible for Espinosa's last fight.
The cases may keep Espinosa longer in the US.
''It's quite an ordeal for our champion to be attending to these cases,'' Games and Amusements Board chairman Dominador Cepeda said. ''They're not criminal cases so there's no hold order for Luisito. He's free to leave the US. However, he risks losing the cases if he does not attend to them.''
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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