By Johnny Walker
Boxing promoter Cedric Kushner has over the past few days seen the two fighters who comprised his stable, heavyweights David “Tuamanator” Tua and Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett, declare themselves free agents. But in the case of Barrett, at least, Kushner is not letting go without a fight.
Kushner was invited to comment on Boxing Insider’s explosive interview in which Barrett listed many personal and professional grievances against him before declaring, “I’m a promotional free agent and I’m on the market again,” and the promoter has done so–with a vengeance.
“I am truly disappointed in Mr. Barrett, whom I have helped immeasurably over the past year with personal issues and problems,” Kushner wrote in an email to Boxing Insider. “However, I will not embarrass him with disclosure of such details, which unlike his fabrications, are true.”
“Firstly, [Barrett] never served me with any lawsuit or “papers” as your false story alleges. I did not ‘bounce’ any checks to Monte or his team, and the story is filled with lies and distortions, many of which are outrageous. However, I will not lower myself and realize that I must not take this personally,” Kushner explains.
“One thing is for sure: if Monte thinks that he will make false allegations and declare himself a free agent, he is mistaken.”
Kushner, who in the email and during a brief telephone conversation did not clarify whether he agrees with one of Barrett’s main grievances—that the fighter is still owed money for his victorious August rematch over David Tua—makes it very clear that he feels hurt by the revelations in the Barrett interview.
“If anything, Mr. Barrett was overcompensated for his services since our relationship began and he has me to thank for resurrecting his career,” Kushner writes.
And the promoter says he has no intention of letting Barrett walk away from their business agreement.
“One thing I can assure you is that I am well within my rights and that my agreement with Monte Barrett is VALID AND REMAINS IN FULL EFFECT,” he says.
