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Roach denies beating up Pacquiao’s associate
By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA, GMANews.TV
CHICAGO â Manny Pacquiaoâs trainer Freddie Roach has denied laying a hand on Gregg Asuncion, an associate of the Filipino boxing star, saying that any damages being claimed by Asuncion could have been instigated by âthird parties." In a six-page âAnswer to Complaint" filed by Roachâs lawyer Keith M. Davidson, a copy of which was obtained by this reporter, the 48-year-old trainer âdenies generally and specifically, each and every allegation of the Complaint and denies that Plaintiffs have sustained damages in the sum alleged, or in any other sum, at all." Roach filed his answer ahead of the March 3, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. court date for a conference management hearing of a civil case filed against him by Pacquiaoâs associate, who sometimes acts as Pacquiaoâs bodyguard and driver, before Judge Kenneth Freeman of the Superior Court of Los Angeles in California. In his complaint, the 51-year-old Asuncion alleged that he was inside the Wildcard Gym Boxing club owned by Roach last Oct. 20, 2008 when Roach punched him in the nape. The blow was so hard, Asuncion fell on the floor. The gym is located at 1123 Vine St., #14, Los Angeles. In an e-mail to this reporter, Asuncion said the incident happened âin front of Manny (Pacquiao) while Iâm (sic) talking to him. But he (Manny) denies ever seeing the incident. I guess he is (sic) blind at that time." When asked if he was going to include Pacquiao as co-defendant in the civil lawsuit, Asuncion, a Manila-born naturalized American citizen, said he will discuss the matter with his lawyers, Robert H. NcNeill Jr. and associate, Allison Turner. According to court records, Asunsion was suing Roach and â1 to 100 Does" in an âunlimited civil case" for damages ranging from assault, battery, intentional and negligent inflictions of emotional distress, negligence, premises liability and loss of consortium by Gregorio Asuncion and his wife, Allyson Asuncion, both residents of Los Angeles county. Asuncion, a radio technician of the Los Angeles Sheriffâs Office, first met Pacquiao in 2004 during Pacquiaoâs first bout with Juan Manuel Marquez. He said the Filipino boxing sensation is his idol and friend. He even co-signed the documents when Pacquiao bought his Navigator SUV. As Pacquiaoâs associate, Asuncion said sometimes Pacquiao gives him balato (chump change) âbut most of the time abunado pa ako sa gastos (I am always in the receiving end because of overhead expenses.)" In his answer, Roach said Asuncionâs complaint has no cause of action and the facts alleged did not âconstitute a cause of action" against him. He added the complaint was âvague and unintelligible" and that Asuncion and his wife, Allyson, are not entitled to relief by virtue of their own unclean hands in the acts and events averred." Roach also believes that Asuncion and his wife have âwaived their rights" against him and âare precluded from seeking any relief." He added the Asuncions âare barred from seeking any relief based on their own conduct, actions, inaction and the doctrine of estoppel." Roach added that the âAsuncions are barred from seeking any relief as the time period to make a claim has expired." He added that the Asuncionsâ damages, if any, were contributed by their âown negligence." Roach also said that the Asuncionsâ âinjuries, losses and damages were caused by an act of God." He also said they are âbarred from any recovery by the Statute of Frauds; by doctrine of latches; and doctrine of waiver." Roach prayed that the Asuncions take ânothing by its Complaints" but prayed that they pay for his âattorneyâs fees and costs of suit; and for such other relief that the Court deems just and proper." - GMANews.TV
Tags: freddieroach, mannypacquiao
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