Sutan gives Chris John an ultimatum

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."