Suwito faces lawsuit for quitting ring

MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Indonesian World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight champion Suwito Lugito confirmed his retirement on Tuesday.

Following the resignation, Suwito's promoter Anton Sihombing announced he would file a lawsuit against him for breach of contract.

In a letter dated March 13, Suwito informed the North Sumatra branch of the Indonesian Boxing Committee (KTI) that he had decided to retire from boxing. It was the second letter in which he had stated this intention. The first was dated Feb. 6.

Suwito said that he had taken the decision following alleged mistreatment by his promoter.

Ray Sinambela from KTI's North Sumatra branch office told The Jakarta Post Tuesday that they had tried to prevent Suwito from retiring. He said the office had even invited Suwito to discuss the matter at a meeting on March 14. The boxer refused to attend without giving reasons.

"Since it is Suwito's wish we cannot prevent him. But we deeply regret his decision," Ray said.

Suwito lives in Gohor Lama, Langkat regency, North Sumatra.

His wife, Herawati, recently said that an already strained relationship between Suwito and his promoter took a turn for the worse when the latter did not pay the full fee Suwito had earned for wearing shorts advertising Anker Bir, the main sponsor of a title bout against Australia's Danny Boy in Jakarta last November which Suwito won.

Difficulties first emerged between the pair when the promoter took charge of the championship belt Suwito won by defeating Jimmy Lerma of the United States in 1996.

Suwito's brother Tego Utomo said that Anton took the belt without Suwito's knowledge.

Anton, meanwhile, said Tuesday that he would sue Suwito for terminating the contract and damaging his name.

"I fear that someone has encouraged Suwito to break the contract," Anton said, adding that he held rights to stage one more Suwito fight.

Anton also said that Suwito's demand for advertising fees could be settled friendly. (lnt/21)