'Bad Boy' Rahman KOs cafeteria

JAKARTA (JP): Boxer Rahman Kili Kili was arrested and taken to the West Jakarta Police station after running amok in the cafeteria at the Indosiar studio on Thursday night.

Rahman, whose nickname is "Bad Boy", became upset after promoter Daniel Bahari told him he would not be allowed to fight.

"I did not allow him to compete because, in my opinion, he was not ready to perform. His manager and trainer also shared my view. And if he cannot stop this kind of behavior, I won't let him compete ever again," Daniel said following the incident.

Rahman Kili Kili of the AMI/ASMI boxing camp went to the studio on Jl. Damai in West Jakarta on Thursday to watch the bouts on the station's Gelar Tinju Indosiar and also to meet with Daniel.

The promoter told Rahman he would not allow him to get back into the ring until his health improved. Rahman apparently exploded in anger upon hearing this and attempted to punch Daniel but was blocked by onlookers.

Rahman, the national welterweight champion who defended his title last month on Indosiar's boxing program, then aimed his punches and jabs at the cafeteria's property.

Indosiar spokesman Gufron Sakaril said he regretted the incident. However, he said it would not affect the station's live boxing broadcasts.

"Misunderstandings are common. We want the problem to be settled in a friendly manner. Many boxers become emotional when they are not allowed to compete. This time Rahman was out of control.

"Indosiar was not directly involved in this matter. It is the promoter who decides which boxers will compete in the bouts. But Indosiar is considering suing Rahman," he said.

A member of the station's public relations office, Reza, said Rahman did not cause significant damage to the cafeteria, just managing to break a few dishes. (01/ivy)