Sutherland Inquest Hears From Manager Frank Maloney

The inquest into the death of boxer Darren Sutherland has been hearing from boxing manager Frank Maloney.

Coroner Roy Palmer had earlier today commented that no one was on trial in the Coroner’s Court after comments made by Maloney on his Twitter account calling the inquest a “witch hunt”.

It had been reported that Sutherland had told friends he was “afraid of Frank” but today Maloney broke down in tears as he told the inquest that Sutherland had nothing to fear from him.

Mr Maloney had managed the boxer since he won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. He told the inquest that he had never put pressure on the youngster to fight and insisted that they had a good relationship.

He told Croydon Coroner's Court he had been honest with Mr Sutherland about the financial implications of walking out on his contract but denied he had threatened him at any time.

Breaking down in tears, he added: "Why did this man do this, he had a talent?"

Mr Maloney was read a statement he made to police in which he admitted telling Mr Sutherland he "would do my utmost to insure he would not box for anyone else."

But he denied he meant it as a threat.

"It's what I would say to any fighter, if I believe in a fighter. It's a professional business, you get paid to box."

The court was also told Mr Sutherland had a "very favourable" contract compared to other boxers.

(H)