Mark Haak, an attorney in Pittsburgh, who manages unbeaten heavyweight contender Jermaine Franklin (17-0, 13 KOs), contests Franklin’s desire to “part ways.” Haak stated that he has an existing contract with Franklin and will take all necessary steps to enforce the contract. Likewise, Haak stated he would take legal action and seek monetary relief from any third party who enters into a boxing-related contract with Franklin or who otherwise interferes with Haak’s contractual relations.

Franklin, from Saginaw, MI, won the 2014 Golden Gloves National Championship in the super heavyweight division. In 2017, he won all six of his fights, with four of them coming by way of knockout. This year, In fights scheduled for 10 rounds, he stopped Ed Fountain in the eighth round and won a lopsided unanimous decision over Craig Lewis. The two fighters boasted a combined record of 26-5-1 when Franklin, 24, fought them.