Cases

Watson v Prager and Another

Facts

The Claimant signed a management deal with the First Defendant, a boxing manager who also, through a company he controlled (the Second Defendant), promoted nearly all of the fights that the Claimant took part in. The First Defendant agreed to arrange a suitable programme of contests and media engagements whilst the Claimant undertook to participate in such events and not to enter into any agreement with another manager. The agreement was for an initial three years, but there was a option for the First Defendant to extend it for another three years if the Claimant became a British, European, Commonwealth or World Champion. The Claimant became Commonwealth Champion within the initial term and the First Defendant exercised his option. The Claimant sued for declarations that he was not bound by the agreement, and other relief. The First Defendant sought a stay based on an arbitration clause within the agreement. Certain issues fell to be tried as preliminary issues.

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