Gainer feeling the heat in Indonesia

By Scott Shaffer

20/04/2005

Gainer feeling the heat in Indonesia

The official press conference was held in Jakarta, Indonesia for Chris John's defense of his WBA regular featherweight title against Derrick "Smoke" Gainer. The fight will takeplace on Friday but it appears that Gainer is already experiencing the difficulties that come with fighting for a title in the champion's home country.  Naturally, the press conference was held in the native language of Indonesia, but Gainer and his attorney, Kurt Emhoff had arranged for a local boxing journalist to translate for Gainer.  However, one of the moderators instructed the journalist not to translate what was being said.  An angry Gainer, unable to understand what was going on, stormed out as soon as John arrived, ten minutes into the conference.  The Indonesian press cornered Emhoff for an explanation. "Derrick is in war mode and he is not into playing games," said Emhoff.  "I don't really blame him for walking out. Derrick has no patience for games or foul play."  To complicate matters further, the arrival of Gainer's trainer Buddy McGirt has been pushed back to the morning of the fight.  Gainer is believed to be just the second American ever to box for a world title in Indonesia, following the venerable Saoul Mamby who defended a version of the 140 pound title there in 1981.  Astute fans may remember Muhammad Ali fought Rudi Lubbers in Jakarta in 1973, but of course, that was in between The Greatest's title reigns. [Editor's note: Thanks to matchmaker Eric Bottjer for the correction, sort of]