Sutan gives Chris John an ultimatum
Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Boxing champion Chris John's embittered former trainer has set a Friday deadline to receive his remaining compensation payment for alleged breach of contract.
"I'm only pursuing my rights. If he deviates from what we have agreed upon, I will proceed with my complaint to the police," Sutan Rambing said during a news conference at the office of the State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs on Wednesday.
Sutan accused Chris John of violating their contract by resigning from the former's Semarang-based Bank Buana training camp in December 2004. An agreement specifying compensation of Rp 400 million was reached between fight promoter Daniel Bahari and Sutan four days before Chris John's April 22 successful World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title defense against American Derrick Gainer.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the minister's office, the supervisory and controlling body for professional sports (BPPOPI), which has mediated the dispute, and the Indonesian Pro Boxing Commission (KTI).
A total of Rp 150 million was paid before the fight, with Daniel reportedly responsible for arranging the final payment on April 22. The payment was not made.
Sutan appeared to get the runaround again on Wednesday, with Daniel arriving early at the office to hand over the final check.
However, Haryo Yuniarto from BPPOPI's legal department said the check could not be provided to Sutan because it had not been endorsed by the boxer.
"Daniel presented the check at 10 a.m. today, but he immediately returned to Bali because he said his son was having leg surgery," Haryo said.
The check -- issued by Bank Buana's Bali branch in the amount of Rp 250 million -- was shown to reporters.
"We will wait for Chris John and Daniel on Friday. If they do not appear, it's up to Sutan whether he will proceed with a lawsuit," Haryo said.
"All disputing sides need to be present to bring the issue to a close."
Chris John, who received US$90,000 for the Gainer bout, said he wanted to manage his own affairs when he parted ways with Sutan. He is now trained by Australian Craig Christian.
Others contended that the boxer was unhappy with the division of purses from his two previous title defenses in 2004.
Sutan -- who has always argued that Chris John agreed to a standard 50-50 split of prize money -- vented his frustration on Wednesday.
"I have been suffering in the past three months. I refrained from commenting about the issue. But when I saw there was no indication of goodwill from them, I could not let it go on," Sutan said.
"This is not fair that after all my hard work, someone else has stolen (Chris John) from me that way. But I have no hard feelings because I love sports. I just hope that we reach amicable terms on Friday."