Boxing promoter suing for $1.7M

Potts is being represented by attorneys Egon Embrack and Alexei Mc Kell in the matter.

Yesterday the boxing promoter revealed to the media a pre-action protocol letter dated November 7 which stated that on Thursday September 6, 2012 (contents repeated thereafter); Saturday March 2, 2013 and Saturday February 15, 2014, guest speakers and callers on Radio I95.5 Sports on a panel hosted by Baptiste, were alleged to have made and were allowed to make defamatory statements on live radio which were allegedly libellous of Potts. Potts and his lawyers are asking for a response to the pre-action protocol letter within 28 days of the date of the letter.

The letter stated, “consequently, our client has suffered significant financial loss and damage to his reputation due to defamation of character by reason of the making and airing of libellous words/statements set out below that you falsely and unlawfully published, authorized to be published and/or authored and published in failing to comply with the tenets of responsible journalism on or about Thursday, September 6, 2012; Saturday March 2, 2013; Saturday, February 15, 2014.” The letter added, “The subject broadcasts have negatively impacted his (Potts) family and his marketability as he has been brought into disrepute before your listeners; individual or corporate.

Our client has since been relieved of his post as Special Advisor to the Boxing Board as a result of the subject defamatory broadcasts.” Potts’ lawyers argue that “blatantly untrue” comments were made about their clients’ jockey and boxing careers which were “sensationally condemnatory, provocative and accusatory...” In addition, due to Potts’ standing as Chairman of the WBC Central America and the Caribbean, Amateur and Youth Pro League, the comments, they allege, have “damaged Mr Potts locally and otherwise and have negative far reaching effects regionally and internationally.” Potts is asking for $1,724,000 for compensation.

“In addition, by not having his contract as Special Advisor renewed for the next four years, our client has suffered loss of income after tax in the sum of $1,224,000. We believe that in addition to recovery of the special loss of income stated above, a fair, reasonable and minimum quantum of damages in the sum of $500,000 as monetary compensation together with a published Retraction of and Apology for the defamatory statements would suffice to remedy the claim.”