July 17, 2013
TOKYO, JAPAN
Leading Indonesian matchmaker Willy Lasut passed away because of heart stroke today (Wednesday) in Jakarta. Willy, 80, has covered matchmaking of Indonesian boxers fighting abroad for more than twenty years, having activated Asian boxing scene with his faithfulness. Willy regularly accompanied good or mediocre Indonesian opponents to Japan, Australia, Philippines, etc. to activate the Asian fraternity. Indonesia historically had its Dutch connection, and Willy stayed in Netherland for some ten years, working for an oil company. After his return to Jakarta, he entered the boxing world and diligently established his personal connections with promoters/managers/matchmakers in each country in Asia. Willy became a household name in Asia. He was persistent but professional since the word of professional is a good embellishment for a boxing person. He truly contributed to the Asian boxing world by taking great many Indonesian boxers abroad regardless of a winning percentage.
This reporter has kept a long friendship with him, and once asked him, “Willy, though you said you stayed in Netherland so long, why is your English speaking so poor?” He quickly replied, “I’m good at speaking Dutch, not English.” We burst into laughter together. Willy, may your soul rest in peace.
(7-17-2013)