Badr Hari leaves Thom Harinck!?

[MZN]

http://www.kickbox.nl/forums/showthread.php?threadid=5538


Here is an interview in which Badr tells that Simon Rutz (The it's showtime!! promotor) is his new manager which should give him more international chances and money (his own words).

It is not clear up to this point who is going to train him and at mixfight.nl I read that someone spoke to Thom and he was very surprised and did not know anything about it at all! :confused:

All in all a very strange story. I guess things will clear up pretty soon. I'll try to keep you posted.......

[Jofeljoh!]

I read it on Mixfight, and also saw this reply:


Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:19 pm Post subject: Reply with quote
Ik kwam net van de training by sensei Thom harinck en hoorde daar dat Badr niet heeft opgezegd .Harinck was zeer verbaasd dat hij het op kickbox.nl heeft moeten lezen deze zogenaamde opzegging temeer dat hij nog een contract heeft.Ook de flauwekul dat het hem dan financieel better afgaat is een fabeltje.Hij vocht steeds bij Thom bij diverse organisaties wat alleen maar goed is.Dit jaar kon hij al in frankrijk en Japan vechten en Thom Harinck is ook niet de eerste de beste ,heeft dunk mij genoeg ervaring om te bemiddelen.Ik denk dat simon rutz te veel hooi op zijn vork neemt en iedereen gek maakt met beloftes.Buiten het zakelijke iedereen weet dat Thom alles voor Badr deed maar zo een streek flikken is weinig karakter.


So I'm not sure yet (for the non-dutch: it looks like he has inside info in which isn't clear if it's true....)

Chak-wyk, what can you say about this??

[( o Y o )]

Any details on that inside info? This really is pretty big news and sounds to me like Badr wants in on K-1 and knows Tom may not be the man to get him there......

[Jofeljoh!]

I still think it would be high unlikely, i saw a recent video interview in which this doesn't seem the case. I've translated it once on sherdog, i will put it here too. Just a sec

edit:

http://www.nieuws.nl/bericht/1/32606
There's also a video interview. The contents is pretty much the same ( a little bit more in the video interview though.

For the non-dutchies i tried to quick-translate the interview on the page there (stonecoal english, lot of mistakes, but I think most will be able to understand it :D)



Badr Hari (20) certainly is one of the greatest talents in kickboxing at the moment in Holland. His trainer Tom Harinck even thinks he has the abilities to become ‘the greatest K-1 fighter of all times’. He doesn’t care about reputations and accomplished names. ‘I always rely on my own strength, even if you’re a 5-times K-1 champion or a farmer-belgian from Antwerpen(:D). May the best man win.’ Just before his fight against British Gary Turner (win on points) Novum News spoke with Badr Hari and his trainer.

Last week the best heavyweights fought in Japan in the finals of the prestigious K-1 tournament. Why weren’t you in Japan?

“It wasn’t planned yet to be there this year. My trainer (Thom Harinck) and I chose to let it pass this year. I think we will go next year. If it was for me, I would already be there five years ago. Later, when I must be there, I will be there.

Thirteen times the K-1 has been held, nine times a Dutchman won the tournament. There are 70.000 spectators in the stadium in Tokyo, all over the world there are 100 million people watching television to see the finals. How is it possible that we see so little of that in Holland?

‘I think we Dutch people still have too many prejudices to the sport. There has happened quite a bit with kickboxers regarding some dirty business. But that’s just a few. If you look at K-1 en its public, those are all families: little children, grandpas and grandmas. It’s a family-sport and is appreciated like that. If you look at the big gala (It’s Showtime) in Amsterdam Arena (dutch stadium), all you see are guys who come support their idols and couples who like the sport. It’s just a good sport; I think people are just scared to accept it in society.

Do you see yourself as a top-athlete?

‘I train twice a day, six times a week. The seventh day I do running, so that’s thirteen trainings a week. I don’t see too many other professionals in other sports do that. If it pays off? I think in Holland there are only a few kickboxers who can live from the sport. But when you’re at the top in Japan, then you will earn a lot of money for Holland’s standards. I think you can fight to become a millionaire. In Japan they are ahead of us on that point. But it will come here too, mark my words.’

Thom Harinck, trainer, you have said before that you have your hands full on Badr. Is he such a troublemaker?

Harinck: ‘It’s not an easy fellow, but that’s because of his talent too. That’s the weird part of all talented sportsmen. Football players, tennis players and kickboxers: they all have their specific character. But we have a good band together, as a father and son and trainer and fighter. Look, I was a wild boy myself, and maybe Badr is a little bit wilder, but I just try to give directions. But I don’t have problem with Badr. He lives as a professional, and he gives his fullest for the sport. That will come out now.’

Some people say: it’s going too easy for him now, he’s nonchalant and it will backfire on him sooner or later. Do you think that also?

Harinck: ‘It’s a guy who knows what he’s doing. That he looks arrogant is a different story, but he is not nonchalant. Besides that, his arrogance is a sort of a game. If we live towards a bout, we always prepare very well, and Badr trains very hard for it.’ Then, smiling: ‘I should stop complimenting him; it’s not that of an easy guy to work with. But I don’t have problems with him. Badr can be a difficult guy, but he’s also honest and says what he feels. For some people that can be harsh.’

Does Badr Hari have it in him to accomplish the world top?

Harinck:’I have won K-1 three times as a trainer in Japan, one time with Branko Cikatic en the 2nd and 3rd time with Peter Aerts. But if I’m honest, Badr has more talent than the two together (!!). The only thing that stops him, is his age. I slowed him down on purpose, to save him from mental pressure. But I know for sure he’s going to make it. Unless something happens, God or Allah has to be with you. If we go on this way, I know for sure that Badr will be the greatest K-1 fighter ever’.

Badr, you’re known for the spectacle in the ring. You’re especially (in)famous for your ring entrance. Is that only for show, or do you do it to intimidate your opponent?

‘Both. First, I see it as a sort of relief. Before a bout I train 2,5 months very, very hard, and you have constant tension, nerves and stress. From the moment I walk on the catwalk, then it’s sort of a relief to put up a show. On the other hand you must see yourself as a product; you have to sell yourself to the people. You must have that extra finesse so that people remember your name. That everyone knows: that Badr, he has an entrance, that isn’t normal. For the rest it isn’t much, it’s just a game, that is where the people will come for. If you stand between 10 guys who are all good, but just thát one is awesome… you know? And I want to be that one.’

You were 8 year old when you started kickboxing. Why didn’t you started kickboxing as a little boy?

‘I have an easy explanation for that. Look, I don’t come from a very rich family. I always wanted to ride horses, but my father couldn’t afford that. Then I wanted to play football (soccer), but he couldn’t afford that either. In the neighborhood you could kickbox for 5 guilders a month. So my father gave me 5 guilders and said: ‘go and sign for a month.’ Soon I thought: hey, this is fun. Now I’m here, so life can be pretty weird sometimes.’

Now you’re an example to guys like you were yourself once. Are you aware of that?

‘If I’m aware, I don’t know. I am who I am, I just give 100% voor my sport. If people take me as an example, it only brings me happiness and love. If a little boy, 9 or 10 years old come to me and ask ‘may I go on the picture with you’ or asks for an autograph, that’s why I do it in the end.’


By the way, is there a full fight-record of him? With all the names of his opponents?


Does this seems like a man who just recently changed opinions to fight for someone else? I really don't think so...

[( o Y o )]

You are right, it seems quite odd after reading that. Then again, their reasons for not being in K-1 are far from the truth too IMO.

Thanks for the translation!

[Dado]

Thom seems like an excellent trainer, it seems a bit odd that after training Hari and making such a name out of him that he would just leave like that.

Are there any other sources?

[MZN]

Someone already asked Rutz in his guestbook. He'll awnser... I hope.

[GarouMAX]

It has been confirmed. Yes, Badr left his former trainer.

[MZN]

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=229065

Right here, no news yet on who is going to train him.

someone at mixfight.nl stated Gym Alkmaar.....

[( o Y o )]

Hmmmm......terrible for Tom, as for Badr we`ll have to wait and see.

[Jofeljoh!]

this is quite a shock for me actually. Darn, i'm curious for the consequences now...

[( o Y o )]

Did you know one or both of them? I feel sorry for Tom and all he has done. Such a huge past, but doesn`t seem to be able to succed anymore...

[Jofeljoh!]

well it pisses me off a little that there are people who take this all lightly like ' it's is own future, he has to do what's best for him'.

Well, ofcourse that's all true to a certain point. Those same people tend to forget that Harinck has put a lot of effort, time and money in Badr. A fighter is sort of an investment and with this he just let a smart promotor make all the money.

It reminds me off how big footballclubs here in Europe buys for relatively little money talented players from little clubs, while those clubs have invested a lot in those young players. And later on, the big clubs make even more money when they have a breakthrough. They even made a law that a big club has to pay more money (depends of how long the player have been trained by the little club) so little clubs get rewarded for training them.

Now ofcourse I don't know any details here but I certainly hope Tom gets some out of this too. But what's even weirder is that i read rumours that Tom didn't even know it himself and had to read it on internet! if that's true, that's just an ugly display of... backstabbing.

BUT! I will wait for the interview on mixfight, maybe we get to know more. But I certainly hope we hear from Harinck himself.

[( o Y o )]

Yeah, I too saw someone mention Tom didn`t even know about it, and IF it is true that is a damned gutless and disrespectful move by someone that owes a good deal of where he is now to Tom.

Lets wait and see though....for all we know right now Tom "may" have brought this all on somehow.

[( o Y o )]

I have read his new manager is from Its Showtime, and what is interesting to note is that K-1 mentioned possibly working with Its Showtime this year......

[MZN]

I have read his new manager is from Its Showtime, and what is interesting to note is that K-1 mentioned possibly working with Its Showtime this year......

That bit about the manager is something I already mentioned at the top ;). Working with k-1 though that's new alltogether to me, further more that k-1 always has been hesitant to let their fighters work for Rutz: Carter Williams this year, Iggy last year and the astronomic figures they ask for Bakauw.....

[( o Y o )]

LOl....I didn`t mean that I read it elsewhere, just that it had only just occured to me after thinking about it. Remy and Tanikawa mentioned Its Showtime the day after the GP.

[Jofeljoh!]

IF THE TEXT IS TOO LONG, OR IT'S TO CRAPPY TO READ, READ THIS FIRST: http://forum.kakutougi.info/showpost.php?p=11661&postcount=20


Guess what, more news here:

http://www.kickbox.nl/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5571

Translation from babelfish (i'm sorry, but it's really late and I don't feel like translating myself, if you have any questions i'm happy to answer them:

[quote]

After the It's Showtime management had read the tale on Kickbox.nl, they prerecording contact with Hakim and gladly gave thereby to that they their side of the tale wanted tell. The reason is that there recover much wild West are told which far from truth stands we had been invited decrease an interview on the office in Zaandam. Also Badr Hari connected at the interview, so that he stipulated things could confirm and/or take the edge off.

Response It's Showtime management: We are as It's Showtime Management Team busy interesting topvechters which the Netherlands richly is contract. The reason is that we in the year 2005 already 2 large IT`S SHOWTIME events to organise and in the year 2006 already 4. these events are not only organised in the Netherlands but also in other countries Europe we have concluded, as it happens, lucrative contracts with several companies which possible turn it to be able grow into of the authoritative vechtsportbedrijven Europe. We want the danger in the future no longer run that we can vechters no longer contract certain because they stand at someone else under contract/management! Examples are there zat of look to e.g. Ernesto bale or recently Remy Bonjasky. Remy have fought on five IT`S SHOWTIME events but we can now glad be if he CAN fight for 100,000 euro of its management! We have within our company step plan made and within these plans Badr Hari would be appropriate perfectly. Because if we get could management concerning Badr Hari then the Dutch public has been, as it happens, insured of it that they can see Badr fighting also in the future simply in the Netherlands! In fact everyone must who loves vechtsporten glad is with the possibilities which our company has got. We are not busy vechters crazily with pockets full money and make them in a dishonest manner to pull away at their coaches. Some what we want that we can more control get in the future concerning a number of vechters and this is possible if we get about that management. With these ideas Simon Rutz a month (in the middle of December 2004) contact on with Badr Hari its have largely suffered coach taken, TOMs Harinck.

We TOMs Harinck have done an offer take the management of Badr Hari on our. For all clarity: only management! At that moment we had not been interested, as it happens, total Badr also will train. After a long conversation with among other things here and there a disagreement concerning for example the percentage partitioning, we have reached the conclusion that TOMs Harinck would inform its orphan as a coach, concerning our proposal. Afterwards TOMs our shortly contacts concerning the outcome of this. TOMs requested Simon it and put an other one on paper (read: contract). New year 2005 rang Badr on to wish us a happy new year. This was appreciated enormously and we asked immediately what he found of our oral offer that he had learned by means of TOMs. In the meantime, as it happens, some weeks had already expired.

Badr appeared have heard nothing about this of TOMs, what our enormously astonished we, as it happens, ourselves have the management concerning several vechters and if there an offer generally this vechter comes in day still the same in for of our vechters then lifts we and differently certainly a day later. We explained Badr that we interested products to do its management in the future. It seemed our, as it happens, a beautiful combination TOMs Harinck its coach and we would regulate all other matter for him. Also Badr as from that he stands at us under contract, are the moment insured of a monthly income so that he had himself keep only still but busy with its sport. He then actual immediately full prof would be! Badr told during this conversation that he had not trained wide five weeks, and TOMs had not spoken also. We had been astonished concerning the fact that he has not trained this way long because 12 June ash nevertheless a very spicy antagonist for him stands on the menu. Stefan leko are not first the vechter, thus train a requirement for topvechter is such as Badr. We invited Badr on office for a closer personal conversation him and explain an other one. We have clearly indicated that he had take along its coach at this conversation. This, because we wanted do gladly rapidly matter and already too much time went gone.

Last week Friday 7 January last, Badr came walk in our office however without TOMs. About this we had been very astonished. Badr told us immediately at entry with great force that all new appointments could become on its vechters career as from now only by means of himself done. He indicated us with immediate entrance to stop at TOMs Harinck. Here were surprised we really of and did not know exact what we had find of it. As from that moment we have in fact only still but the same things said which we had discussed a day in avance already telephone with Badr. Of course we had been, however, interested in the reason why he has not trained this way long and the reason why he wants at TOMs Harinck. To be answer on this was that he was not motivated and no more challenge tried train at Pancration. Badr: I am a young boy who has learned in the previous years much of TOMs. I are me there certainly of aware that what I celebrate the last year have learned to thank have to TOMs. I am him for that also certain grateful and this I have announced TOMs in several manners But I am me of it aware that I there is not still long. I want to mark train but simply that I miss at my current coach much. I do not want enter too deeply what I miss all but an example is for example my training partners at Pancration. This is not all nice and good vechters but unfortunately of my weight. I do not have simply the ghastly feeling that I further more increase. Because I am still a gretige and inquisitive young vechter, is very important it for me a team of heavyweight of having me gone in which myself can grow. Until now TOMs almost my only training partner were. Much learned not enough of him, but to my feeling. And if I all put these points under each other, I reach a conclusion "want I further grow" that I had look at nevertheless further.

[Jofeljoh!]

The rest:

My decision was certain therefore already far for the IT`S SHOWTIME TEAM me approached to take over my management. The one has therefore nothing but thus do nothing with the other. People must know that I have no income labour, therefore I must in my own maintenance foresee. My head stands there not always nasty entirely concentrate me on training. I am for the most part of the day busy survive and am in my head frequently busy for in my own maintenance foresee. I become of it despondently always but a party can deserve finished to have wait before I am possible to the barge and money. I am as topvechter nou once dependent on the turnovers on my sport. TOMs Harinck can me offer nothing, except training. This is for me not sufficient and I had not been motivated as a result will train. I repeat I knew of the offer of the It's Showtime management still nothing then for me already was certain that I would leave at TOMs. In fact I was therefore as from that moment therefore free on the market. When the It's Showtime management me did an offer take me under contract, this came thus as called and was that therefore a read to the end chance for me. I could get the insurance of a monthly income and moreover for the first time zins are medically insured years! Yes, you hear good, I had not been medically insured already very long!!

It's Showtime management continue the tale: After we had told our tale to Badr, he was enraged enthusiastic. In spite of that we have immediately referred him to its coach, with the task this firstly with him to discuss and regulate and in the short term about this us to inform. We hammered especially nevertheless at Pancration to continue train so that we could concentrate on its management. The reason we wanted that that he will be at TOMs remain: you do not sever the bonds, as it happens, this way but between a coach and a student! These link is, as it happens, generally very intense and with an ordinary employer employee compare proportion! We got however if to hear we were sometimes deaf! And she against us in a manner like only Badr is possible that: I LEAVE AT TOMS! Badr after that conversation I have immediately gone to TOMs Harinck and have him have been clearly said that I after 4 years definitively him stops. I have explained him in a conversation what was my beweegredenen and that this no easy choice has been however, I was in my head already months busy and stood behind my decision! I have tevens asked TOMs if I was not bound to a contract, because TOMs me some time ago has let know that he had a declaration necessary, from which appears that he my matter looked after. This was necessary a possible party regulate in Japan. He had to is able show that he was authorised to act for me. TOMs have clearly indicated me that he not at all loved the kindest this contract paper work and would want tear, but that he necessary had this papiertje really for Japan. TOMs and I at the signature of this contract have clearly closed an oral agreement that when I stop would want at TOMs that this contract would be no longer valid. TOMs voted whole-hearted.

Because this declaration was there, want I there now therefore certain of its that I to a contract be bound. TOMs answered on this: "no, that is not you". For certainty I have fixed this conversation on link. TOMs gave, however, to that there contractual obligations still some were which he with new management, if this passage would find wants complete. This was strange, because he said exactly that I could stop when I want that?! To be only be able beat a financial slaatje beweegreden is denkelijk there nevertheless still. But then my previous teachers whom I had for TOMs also still right will have to a financial compensation, yes nevertheless? IT`S SHOWTIME management: The next day Badr have come to our office and have us have been told that he has with TOMs nothing more to do and that he is act now free. On this day we have all puntjes on i put but told that we still even such as hear firstly still even with TOMs will talk. Then the next day a youthful has wrongly made Badr to occur that its tale immediately to kickbox.nl. therefore still we could discuss it and an other one with TOMs. After we saw arriving of course the bui already that a this now very difficult conversation would become Simon him have rung. Simon got that to hear there very certain, however, a contract was present and that Badr did not have will lie. I told him that I a personal conversation with him wants it and mutually other one to regulate, on this he agreed. We also got of him that to hear he legal steps wants undertake against us. Simon have said then that these legal steps would go between Badr and him because they fight two parties are. But that he hoped that that all not necessary would be. After we had informed Badr of this conversation Badr have gotten in touch with TOMs. BADR; I asked him again: "TOMs have I nou a contract and are I free will stand where I want or not?" TOMs answered on this: "Badr, you are a free gozer you can go and stand where you want". Only this does not need new management namely knows. The reason of this is because I want will require a financial genoegdoening! Therefore this is actual still is only reason. In the conversation new management black has been tevens made by means of very negative expressions among other things concerning Simon Rutz. This is my inziens not correct because correct Simon were to which to vervelens has tried me at TOMs let remain. Not Simon were TOMs its enemy no make simply he were with a student who had of it enough. Now Simon have, however, a dikke skin, ha ha. But right is right and curved is curved. The It's Showtime Management Team: Yes that is correct, we were it correctly those Badr constant pushten at TOMs Harinck continue train if he possibly would come fall under our management. It fell us therefore heavy on our roof that TOMs therefore with double tongue stood talk! We understand of course that TOMs are disappointed heavily that Badr have gone at him gone because that we would be also, but we must remain honest compared with each other. Where we firstly prepare it and an other one we let us be as from now discuss think that if TOMs it once is not still that he must battle out that but legally with Badr. If we in this legal fight nevertheless a party appears will participate be we in this. Badr: I have now chosen for a new sport school. In what I has more faith and this has become, gym Alkmaar. I do not have here long concerning said with Edwin van Os. these last was it in starting real glad, because he found that I improve at Pancration would have remain. I (Badr) have made clear, that after what all has occurred the previous weeks, me no longer called feel still return at Pancration. Therefore that I want my residence gladly make at gym Alkmaar. After a long conversation and clear appointments, have Badr and Edwin each other the hand shaken and Edwin wished Badr welcome as a new orphan. There at this moment with several other heavyweight is spoken to ensure that Badr get sufficiently heavily weights for itself gone in the dojo! Badr: I weet one with several feelings to my declaration will look at that. I am me there also certainly of aware that many will put several question signs at my decision. But I want gladly nevertheless clear make that this mine own decision has been. None easy, but very considered decision. I do not feel myself there thus certain forced by which party thus. Some what has made my decision, however, stronger, the manner is how TOMs me and the others last couple has treated days. I am a young vechter and I hope that my fans and others support me and in me continue believe. I greet you all, Badr Hari. After the above interview, we of kickbox.nl, TOMs approach Harinck for its side of the tale. We hope thus that he our receive will. Is continued..

[/quote]

Damn that's a lot of words in some VERY BAD english :P

[Jofeljoh!]

Anyway, bottom line is that It's Showtime is trying to get foot on the ground in Europe, trying to expand their power, organising more & bigger tournaments all around Europe. For those tournaments they need topfighters, because other fighters are already contracted with K-1 for instance. Badr Hari is an upcoming fighters so he would be an ideal promotion for their company.

They contacted Harinck with this plan, to take over the management from Harinck, but also wanted to still let him train by Harinck. Harinck would talk with Hari about this and contact Simon Rutz/It's Showtime after that. That didn't happen, and Badr Hari did find out by coincedance. That was the last straw for Hari, who wasn't training for 5 weeks, because he had worries about money and also wasn't motivated because he felt he wasn't learning enoug anymore with Pancration. So he was negotiating with Simon Rutz, but Rutz still said: oke, I want to manage you, but it would be the best if you would still train with Harinck/Pancration. Also Simon Rutz didn't want bad blood, because you just can't leave your trainer just like that after 4 years.

Anyway, Hari however was so fed up, he did talk with Harinck and it looked like he didn't have a contract with him so he just left Harinck. Harinck however wanted some money for his 'investment', so the question rises: did Hari have some sort of contract with Harinck?

This is now what's it all about, the money. Hari isn't training with Pancration anymore, but will train in Alkmaar (Van Os Gym), gets paid monthly by It's Showtime, so he is now a full professional fighter who can concentrate on fighting only.

[( o Y o )]

Thanks. Very interesting stuff. Seems it had nothing to do with getting into K-1 at all....in fact, it might even keep him out of it..

[Jofeljoh!]

It might, but not necessarily.It's a good move from Simon Rutz because they have assurance to have topfighters. Hari could still fight for K-1 if K-1 wants him, if Rutz agrees ofcourse. The question is if K-1 really gives/will give a rats ass about Hari fighting for them.

But Rutz just didn't want the risks that already did happen with Bonjasky for instance. He fought 5 times @ It's Showtime, but now he fights for K-1 and they can't pay enough to get him to fight here in Holland. In the future, with Hari, IF he get's to the top, they can.

[Dado]

Wow, he left him!?!?

I feel sorry for Thom, they seemed like the beast team together, and more than likely its Thom's work that has made Hari what he is today.

Perhaps it might be personal reasons instead of money which made Hari choose this. Does anyone connected to them know any more details? Chak Wyk?

[Jofeljoh!]

Yeah I just said that didn't I? He felt he didn't learn enough anymore, and he's just too hungry and want's to get better.

[Titan]

Well, there's a lot of components involved in a relationship to a trainer, and maybe like in most relationships, they just need a break from each other and later meet down the road with new perspectives. :-)

[MZN]

Well, there's a lot of components involved in a relationship to a trainer, and maybe like in most relationships, they just need a break from each other and later meet down the road with new perspectives. :-)

It's really complicated indeed but the interviews give me the idea that Hari hasn't been clear to both Rutz and Harinck which spawned this sad chain of events.

I think it's ok though that Thom wants some financial compensation. I guess when you teach someone everything you know a simple thank you and a bottle of whiskey is not enough.

[Titan]

It's really complicated indeed but the interviews give me the idea that Hari hasn't been clear to both Rutz and Harinck which spawned this sad chain of events.

I think it's ok though that Thom wants some financial compensation. I guess when you teach someone everything you know a simple thank you and a bottle of whiskey is not enough.
Absolutely. It's the honorable thing to do.

[Jofeljoh!]

interesting update; a letter from Tom Harinck:


After the fight against Gary Turner in december Badr came by like he reguraly did, to say hello to my wife and play with the kids and wish a good day.

A week after that Rutz contacted me. In this conversation he let me know he wanted to contract Badr. The reason is that he wanted to avoid that Badr wouldd fight against Bonjasky on april 9th (Badr had to fight not until june actually). This fight didn't proceed but but Rutz feared that something similar could happen again (Mohammed Aithassou was by the way the one who tried to arrange this fight). I said to Rutz that in my opinion it's good for the sport when more promoters are competing with each other.

I said to Rutz that he must write the offer down so i could talk it over with Badr and my wife. Immediately I tried to call Badr and a few time after that as well. But Badr said he would go on vacation in Brazil or Spain. So when he didn't answer his phone i just assumed he was on vacation. Between christmas and new year the gym was closed. After new year the training would begin again. But i was amazed when nobody of his trainingspartners and also his friends did hear anything from Badr. This was very weird to me because Badr always come by to wish a happy new year. A day before the interview on kickboks.nl Badr came by at the gym. There has been a conversation between us in which Badr told me that Rutz was calling Badr for months and that Rutz had made him an offer.

I told Badr that I wanted to discuss that with him and that I tried to reach him several times. I told him that I said to Rutz that he had to write the offer down on paper. Badr left the gym with 'I'll see you tomorrow'. Just after that conversation I had to hear from kickboks.nl that Badr had signed a contract with Rutz. I didn't know anything of this and this really hurt me deeply. Especially because Badr was more to me than just a student, he came in my house and he had good contact with my family.

Never Badr let know that he didn't feel at home. He had a strong team around him, with Henk as a former champion bodybuilding, for his strength training and musclegaining and Thommie Jr who is known to be one of the best with the pads and some others. There was at least one sponsor who trains at our gym Pancration, and invested in Badr.

Badr has never lost a fight with me, except for the replacement-fight against Ignashov. The planning for this year was ready. Badr could fight in Japan on january 23rd, (where I will let Nobu Hayashi fight now) and in february in a golden tournament in Marseille. This last fight was arranged with great effort from one of his sponsors of the gym. For the rest lots of other fights were programmed.

Badr does have contract with me. The reason of this contract is the fact that promoters in Japan, but in other countries as well, only will do business if they have knowledge of any contract. This contract is a standard management-contract and is for a few years. The normal way of doing business is that if you want to break with the contract, you'll have to speak with the manager first before you have to find out through an interview. This feels like enormous backstabbing.

I always thought a contract between Badr and me wouldn't be necessary. Between Branko Cikatic and me there was never (!) a contract and our friendship is still there today. In july Branko will even go with me to Japan. Badr always said: ' If I stop with Tom, I'll never fight again'. A contract isn't legal until the moment that both parties agree it isn't 'legal'.

Badr never signed out, Rutz knew there was a contract and still played his game. I worked years with Badr, and it's only logical, as Rutz as businessman must know, that there must be a financial compensation. This happens in all sports. Despite of the compensation, everyone who knows me, knows that i'm very disappointed and hurt, and no money can or will compensate the band that I had with Badr.

I feel sorry that everything went this way, because normally you would wish someone all the best, but this isn;t the way to treat someone. The thing I want most is to give an interview with Badr together, so once and for all the truth will be said. Because of that, I try to reach Badr all day but he doesn't answer the phone. Ofcourse I want to say that i'm prepared to do an interview with Badr together.

For all fans of Pancration, thanks for all the supports that i've received from you. Also on behalf of my family, thank you!

Would anyone want to spread this letter to as many sites as possible if they're interested in this letter

[( o Y o )]

Even if the truth does lay somewhere in the grey between the two differing stories, Tom does have a right to be upset.

[Jofeljoh!]

That's what I said on Sherdog too. Very awful that it had to go this way

[Dado]

Seems like a very hurtful thing that Badr did.

Will this affect the contract for Badr to fight Leko in anyway?

[MZN]

Will this affect the contract for Badr to fight Leko in anyway?

I guess not cuz his new manager promotes the particular event.