Maloney: Sutherland had no reason to be scared of me

A boxing promoter said he had no idea why Irish boxer Darren Sutherland would have been frightened of him, an inquest has heard.

Frank Maloney broke down in tears as he told the court he had been painted as a monster during the hearing into the death of Olympic bronze medallist Sutherland at Croydon Coroner's Court.

Mr Sutherland, 27, was found hanged at his home in Bromley, Kent, on September 14 2009 by Mr Maloney, who had become concerned for his welfare when he failed to answer his phone.

The Irishman, who turned professional after winning bronze at the 2008 Beijing games, had been in turmoil over what would happen to him if he was to give up boxing, the court was told.

The inquest heard Mr Sutherland was an intelligent, friendly man who was focused on his career and wanted to be a professional boxer, but who always wanted reassurance.

Mr Maloney told the court he received a phone call while he was on holiday in Portugal from Joe Dunbar, Mr Sutherland's physiologist, who said he was concerned about the boxer.

Mr Maloney later received a call from Mr Sutherland's trainer, Bryan Lawrence, who told him that the boxer had been at the gym and told him he did not want to box any more.

The promoter, who has managed Nigel Benn, Lennox Lewis and Chris Eubank, arranged a one-to-one meeting with his protégé the week before he died, the court was told.

Mr Maloney said Mr Sutherland told him he had lost his confidence and did not know if he could continue boxing.

He said: "I listened to him a lot. We were chatting and I said: 'Darren, you have to make this decision, it's up to you'."

Mr Maloney said Mr Sutherland asked him what the possibilities were if he gave up boxing and he told him to take time out and get some counselling.

The court was told Mr Sutherland was worried about becoming poor and losing his flat and his car if he was to give up boxing.

The inquest was told Mr Sutherland's friend and adviser, Declan Brennan, had told Mr Maloney the boxer felt like he was being pressured into boxing, and that if he did not box would have no money.

Mr Maloney said he had told Mr Sutherland he would not let him walk away with the £75,000 (€90,139) contract he had signed but that he could keep the purses for the fights which has already taken place.

He said: "He said he would be poor. I said that was his problem."

Coroner Dr Roy Palmer asked Mr Maloney whether there was any reason why Mr Sutherland would be frightened of him, to which Mr Maloney replied: "No".

He asked whether Mr Maloney had seen any notes at Mr Sutherland's flat claiming that the boxing promoter would destroy him and his family for the rest of his life.

Mr Maloney said: "Why would I say something like that. I am a professional sports manager. I have my own reputation to think about."

Michael Topolski QC, representing the Sutherland family, said: "You told us Darren had nothing to be frightened of."

He added: "You told the police and this coroners' court that Darren said he was frightened to talk to you and he felt trapped.

Mr Maloney replied: "If he said that Sir, he said that."

Mr Topolski said Mr Maloney had told Mr Sutherland his contract could be negotiated but that he would do his utmost to make sure he did not box for anyone else.

He also asked Mr Maloney whether he had any regrets over the way he had handled Mr Sutherland, but Mr Maloney said: "No".