Boxing Champ Fights Against Top Rank

LAS VEGAS (CN) - Former World Champion boxer Mikey Garcia can amend a request to sever his contract with promoter Top Rank, a federal judge ruled.

Miguel Angel "Mikey" Garcia is an undefeated super featherweight. He gave up WBO super featherweight title in October 2014 to move up to the super lightweight division (131-140 lbs.).

Garcia claims Top Rank wants to "exploit, own and permanently control" his career, in violation of Nevada law and the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.

He filed his first amended complaint on Wednesday with permission from U.S. District Judge Richard Boulware II.

Garcia says Top Rank's promotional agreement with boxers gives it "the ability to extend the agreement indefinitely, essentially rendering the contracting fighter an indentured servant of Top Rank."

He claims his contract is unenforceable and asks the court to declare him free of obligations to Top Rank, free to schedule fights without interference from the promoter, and damages for restraint of competition and legal violations.

Garcia sued Top Rank in April 2014 in California. His promotional agreement requires disputes to be settled in Nevada, so he transferred the complaint to Nevada.

Garcia's attorney Hector Carbajal was not available for comment Thursday, nor was Top Rank.

Garcia, 27, is 34-0 with 28 knockouts.

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