TULSA, Okla. -- Heavyweight boxer Otis Hardy Bates lost more than just his Midwestern U.S. heavyweight championship Thursday night. He was jailed and charged with attempted robbery.
Tulsa police detectives said Bates, from Little Rock, Ark., got into a disagreement with his manager, Buddy Holderfield, over how their purse would be divided. Bates knocked down Holderfield and took $2,500, police said.
Detective H.O Parker said Holderfield had told Bates he would be paid $1,600 and Holderfield's share would be 10 percent. Parker said a disagreement ensued over whether Holderfield or his son, Bobby, was entitled to the cut, as the former champion's manager.
Police said they recovered nearly $2,400 when they arrested Bates at a hotel.
The 23-year-old Bates was knocked out at 1:06 of the second round by Tulsa native James 'Quick' Tillis. Tillis is ranked eighth by the World Boxing Association.
Bates had a 22-3-1 pro record before losing to Tillis.
