By Miguel Rivera, photos by Roberto Koltun

As previously reported, the legal battle continues to play out in Miami, Florida. Last week, All Star Boxing President Felix 'Tutico' Zabala had some strong words when he took the stand in his lawsuit against two-division world champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Golden Boy Promotions.

In the legal documents, the promoter claims to have signed Canelo to a four-year promotional agreement in 2008. There was a clause that extending that agreement if Canelo became world champion during the time frame of the deal - but Zabala claims the Mexican superstar violated the terms of that contract by signing with Golden Boy Promotions the following year.

canelo-alvarez-trial (5)

Zabala filed the lawsuit in 2010 and the trial finally started last week. Canelo captured his first world title when became the super welterweight champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC) in 2011 after beating Matthew Hatton by decision.

canelo-alvarez-trial (6)

Zabala's lawyer, Alejandro Brito, said the breach by Canelo and the contract interference by Golden Boy head Oscar De La Hoya has caused $27 million in damages to his client. This figure does not include punitive damages, which under the laws of Florida, could triple the amount originally claimed.

canelo-alvarez-trial (2)

Alex Brito, the lawyer for Zabala, presented a copy of the promotional contract signed by Canelo and manager Jose 'Chepo' Reynoso for four years dated September 15, 2008. He also presented photos of the work visa that Zabala obtained for Canelo so the boxer could travel and fight in the United States and a copy his passport.

canelo-alvarez-trial (1)

Canelo nine fights under the promotion of All Star Boxing. The first on the 24th of November 2008 and the last on December 5, 2009 against Lanardo Tyner. For these fights in a span of 13 months, Canelo pocketed about $180,000. Canelo then accepted an offer from De La Hoya and signed with Golden Boy Promotions. Since leaving Zabala, he's had 17 fights.

canelo-alvarez-trial (3)

On Monday it was Canelo's turn to take the stand, along with De La Hoya.

Canelo acknowledged his signature on the promotional contract, but claimed that he thought it was some type of document requesting an entry visa to the United States and said that he was unaware of the language contained in the documents, because they were written in English.

In the case of De La Hoya, he stated that his company signed a promotional agreement with Canelo because it was perfectly legal.

The testimony of Canelo and De La Hoya will continue on Tuesday.

Canelo and Golden Boy claim Zabala spent no more than $5,000 in the promotion of the fighter, denying the investment figure of $180,000.