26.02.04 – Less than a month after filing a personal injury lawsuit for an alleged assault on James Ware, a tow truck operator, attorneys for Chaikin & Sherman, P.C. announced this week they will file a second lawsuit against former World Middleweight Boxing Champion William Joppy for an alleged assault against a sparring partner following a training session at the Round 1 Fitness Center in Capitol Heights, MD.
The plaintiff in this case is current North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Champion Teddy Reid. Attorneys will file the suit this Thursday, February 26 at the Prince George’s County Courthouse in Upper Marlboro, MD. The attorneys, Reid and Ware will be available for interviews during a 10 a.m. sidewalk news conference immediately following the filing.
On Thursday, December 4, 2003, Joppy and Reid were sparring at Round 1, where both fighters train. Reid, who fights in a lighter weight classification than Joppy (147 vs. 160 pounds) was reportedly “getting the better” of the middleweight boxer. At the end of the training session, the suit alleges that Joppy attacked Reid, first striking the welterweight with the spit bucket and then throwing a pair of two pound weights, one of which struck and injured Reid’s elbow. The incident forced the cancellation of Reid’s January 2004 scheduled fight.
One of the hottest rising young boxers in the fight game today, in addition to his NABF title, Reid is currently the world’s top-ranked welterweight according to the International Boxing Commission (IBF). Reid is also ranked 7th in the world by the WBC, 8th in the world by the WBA and 9th by the WBO. The injury caused a derailment of Reid’s quest for a fight with Cory Spinks for the undisputed World Welterweight Championship.
“According to our clients, James Ware and Teddy Reid, it appears that Joppy cannot limit his aggression to the confines of the boxing ring,” said Ira Sherman, partner, Chaikin & Sherman. “Unfortunately, first Ware and now welterweight contender Reid had to undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation resulting from the injuries sustained as result of Joppy’s actions. These unprovoked attacks have forced interruptions in our clients’ pursuit of their livelihoods, as well as delays in plans for their future.”