should there be one in oz? do we need one? how would it work? im thinking of jeff harding, and the troubles he has. somehow his psychology is ****ed up. he needs some help. should boxing itself help? .
id be in support of something similar to the "men of league" foundation but as far as anything financial goes sorry but alot of these guys squandered more money than ill ever see..
Im sure we all know of several names that remain in difficult situations. These men were admired in the fighting days, earning good money along the way. Hard times fall on the majority of people through lifes journey. These boxers are just humans afterall, and the boxing fraternity has ways of helping former fighters through hard times. Unfortunately, there is no way of securing these former fighters all the way through. For 95% of todays fighters, its a very short lived career. For those to aquire security post boxing, little can be placed away from the fight purses in 95% of cases. Its difficult to imagine a process which gives fighters anything other than psychological support, as financing those through hard times would be a huge financial burdon on the insufficient funds of any particular body. Stability in funds location, via a career of larger earnings would allow for a better chance in later life. Im sure there are posters on this site, with better funds management ideals than myself, worthy of reading.... The list of boxers, concretors, carpenters, academics etc, who fall on hard times is endless... just as the available support for all is limited. In most cases, mutual support is the first avenue to pursue, allowing these men to feel equal to others again.
Read 'Bomber' Peard's book recently and in it he refers to the "men of league" foundation, and some of the great work they've done for former rugby players. Peard himself had a serious stroke of course, and is struggling along brilliantly through years of rehab etc. Was touched where Peard said that at Luke Ricketson's testimonial they raised about 30 grand (for Luke). Apparently Ricketson was presented with the cheque and without prior warning or fanfare just went over and gave it to Peard....that's support of your peers!!
some sort of fund for the re hab of boxers might help. financial assistance is out of the question, as the cost would be prohibitive.
Considering he had no talent and got inflated wages under the super league fiasco, i see this as justice.
Its one of those sports that doesnt really care about the players. Its up to the boxers to start something like this, a big name to get behind it. It could go anywhere with the right approach.
Johnny Peard never lost his larconic sense of humour. He was invited to speak at a function & he was struggling to get up to the dias. When he finally made it,, he uttered "If Hoppa had been behind me, I would have got up here a lot quicker" (Referring, at the time, to Johnny's ill-conceived prostate massage technique)
A old champ with a brain and a heart to start the foundation. They could lobby all the 4 main belts, make them cough some money up for the future of boxers. Its not hard really.
Marcus... thats imppossible. The operators of the 4 Majors are businessmen. Financial growth is the foundation to a business' success. All 4 majors a too busy screwing the public, as more and more 'backyard cricket' titles are introduced. I can not imagine any of the 4 handing out sums of cash. Its not 'proper' business.