Demetrice King Stiffed: David Tua Opponent Hasn't Been Paid for UD Loss

Heavyweight journeyman Demetrice King, who lost a unanimous decision to David "Tuamanator" Tua last weekend in New Zealand, is back in Michigan today—minus the $10,000 US purse he was owed for the fight.

TVNZ.co.nz reports that a squabble has broken out between Tua's New York based global promoter Cedric Kushner and Tua's local promoter, Vainga Tuigamala, as to who is responsible for paying the American fighter.

A bewildered King, 24, says, "I did everything that was expected from me so I'm just ready to get paid now."

"Normally right after the fight I get paid my money and I go...whether it's cash or whether it's a cheque," King explained.

Tua is no stranger to money issues himself, having recently been forced to move his family in with Tuigamala during a rough financial patch. 

Now, the problems have spread to include his opponents.

Kushner, for his part, is very upset with Tuigamala, Tua and Tua's manager/wife Robina.

"I'm so upset with Inga," Kushner said.

"I can't believe he would do that...and the important thing was David and Robina (Tua's wife) know what the deal was. They know I don't stand to benefit monetarily...I'm not very often lost for words."

Tuigamala, however, claims that he had no contract with King.

"The only paperwork involved here is the paperwork between Demetrice King and Cedric Kushner of Gotham Boxing," he says.

So while Kushner and Tuigamala argue, Demetrice King sits at home with nothing to show for his efforts but a UD loss on his record.

Johnny Walker also writes for Boxinginsider.com