Suwito hangs up his gloves for good

MEDAN (JP): World Boxing Federation welterweight champion Suwito Lagola of Indonesia has decided to hang up his gloves for good because, he said, he could not stand being mistreated by his promoter Anton Sihombing.

Suwito withdrawal from boxing was stated in a letter dated Feb. 6, which was announcement on private television stations.

Suwito could not be reached for comment at his home in Gohor Lama, Langkat regency, North Sumatra, but his wife, Herawati, said Sunday that Suwito does not want to meet anyone, including promoter Anton.

According to Herawati, Anton did not pay Suwito his fee from the main sponsor, Anker Bir, for a fight in Jakarta last November against Australia's Danny Boy. During the bout, Suwito wore trousers bearing the Anker Bir name.

"Besides the fee, my husband did not receive the champion's belt from Boy. The belt is rightfully owned by Suwito because of his victory over Jimmy Lerma of the U.S. in 1996. Anton borrowed the belt without Suwito's knowledge," Herawati said.

Tego Utomo, Suwito's brother, said Suwito was angry that the belt had been given to a representative of the Indonesian Boxing Committee (KTI) .

"We could not say anything because KTI's representative told us that they were only borrowing the belt. Until now, the belt has not been returned," Tego said, adding that Suwito has two other championship belts. The two belts were from victories over William Magahin and Lerma.

The North Sumatra chapter of KTI is scheduled to call Suwito to finalize the matter.

On Monday, Chandru Lalwani, KTI's vice chairman, said that he regrets Suwito's decision to quit boxing.

Chandru said that it was unreasonable for Suwito to quit boxing and Suwito should clarify his withdrawal.

"We would only accept Suwito's resignation if he said he was injured and could no longer fight in the ring," Chandru said, reported Kompas.

Chandru said that KTI has not received any written statement from Suwito and promoter Anton. "We only know about the matter on hearsay and we are still waiting for a written statement."

Chandru added that if there is a conflict with the promoter, KTI will try to settle the problem.

"We will try our best to settle the conflict between Suwito and Anton," Chandru said.

Referring to Suwito quitting boxing, Anton said he does not object to Suwito's decision. Anton is only disappointed that Suwito has discredited his name.

"I don't know why Suwito would do such a thing, discrediting my name," Anton said. (lnt/21)