The idea was mentioned in another thread of having profit sharing and pension schemes for pro boxers. The idea is an excellent one but seems all but impossible in the economic climate of pro boxing, unless the fighters were to unionise (in one form or another). Does anyone have any information regarding wether this has ever been attempted, or perhaps there is some kind of organisation or affiliation for boxers which I'm unaware of? It would seem, given their relatively small numbers and high public visibility, that pro fighters would be in quite a strong bargaining position vis-a-vis the networks, and a (very small) cut of every purse going to help other members of the fighting profession would seem a small price to pay, given the inherent dangers involved. Such an organisation could also help fighters who are struggling financially due to injury or could help fighters stand up to ruthless promoters - at the least providing support and legal information/aid. Any knowledge anyone - A Boxers Union, historical or current?
Never going to happen -- guys making the real money don't want to peel off chunks of their purses to go to others not talented enough to make it to the main events. About one percent of the boxers make 99 percent of the money, and that 99 percent of the other fighters don't make enough combined to make a union work. I think Gerry Cooney was an advocate for some sort of thing like this when he retired -- some sort of pension plan.
