The Emergence of the Global Fighters’ Association
The landscape of British boxing might be on the cusp of change as the Global Fighters’ Association (GFA) is making moves to establish a union aimed at protecting the interests and futures of boxers. Led by Martin O’Shea, a well-known agent for Amir Khan, alongside former British champion Paul Smith, the GFA aims to fill a void that has left many fighters unprotected and unrepresented.
Need for Protection in Boxing
As Paul Smith expressed in a recent interview with Radio 4’s File on 4 Investigates, there is a pressing need for this organization. He pointed out,
“There isn’t anything currently to safeguard fighters, whether they are past, present, or future competitors. There should be a support system in place for their careers and beyond.”
Historical Context and Challenges
Interestingly, this is not the first endeavor to create a trade union in the UK boxing sphere. A notable previous attempt was made in 2002 by Barry McGuigan, a former world champion, who aimed to lessen the financial struggles faced by retiring fighters. However, Matt Christie, the editor of BoxingScene, noted that the initiative fell short, primarily due to a lack of willingness from fighters to commit a portion of their earnings to a union.
Innovative Funding Proposals
In a shift from traditional funding methods, the GFA proposes a unique model where they would encourage promoters to include a modest booking fee on ticket sales to support the union’s establishment. Smith explained,
“We believe that if promoters add a small fee—just a couple of pounds—to each ticket, it would be covered by fans, rather than taking directly from a boxer’s earnings.”
Support from the British Boxing Board of Control
Support from the established British Boxing Board of Control has been voiced by their general secretary, Robert Smith, who stated,
“We would absolutely assist in setting up a union, but it must remain independent of the board—such is the nature of unions. We are open to providing support.”
Individual Initiatives for Financial Security
In parallel with these developments, Johnny Nelson, a former world cruiserweight champion, is putting forth his own initiatives. He has been working on a savings scheme aimed at helping fighters secure their financial futures, taking inspiration from his past promoter, Barry Hearn, who wisely allocated a portion of fighter earnings to pensions, an action that Nelson now views as “amazing foresight.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Nelson recounted receiving a surprising pension payout years after retirement, which significantly impacted his life. He remarked,
“It wasn’t until I got that check that I realized how crucial such financial planning could be. I believe implementing a similar pension plan could change lives for current and future boxers.”
Conclusion
With proponents like Smith and Nelson advocating for better support systems, the potential for transformative change in British boxing appears closer than ever, as these initiatives aim to provide long-needed protections for those who dedicate their lives to the sport.
