I would love to see a Boxers' union work but it is counter intuitive to the way the sport works. The thought of Champions giving up even the tiniest portion of their purses to help those further down the ladder or ex Boxers in need of help in retirement / old age just doesn't seem likely. Barry McGuigan put huge effort, time and some of his own money into trying to establish a union with the help of Barry Hearn. If they couldn't make it work, it's hard to see it working on this occasion, sadly.
I hope it does I really do, but as Loaded glove above stated, it just doesn't mix with how the sport works. I can't see enough top-level boxers getting involved. Hopefully, I'm wrong.
Most of the areas that the union are looking to cover should be done by the boxers manager, or so it seems to me. Pensions, boxers well being, support, these are what a good manager does for the boxer. What else is there that a union is offering that a good manager should be doing?
Unions died when Arthur Scargill lost - Trade Unions exist these days for the benefit of Senior Managers who are employed by them. What could work is 20% of PPV Loot going into a fund to help boxers who die in the ring, are seriously injured or other significant issues post career. It is not about individual grubs losing out, it is about money generated for the good of boxing.
Some good Managers already do this but there are plenty of caring, well intentioned Managers do not have the resource, time or knowledge to tick all of the boxes.
In fairness Jurgen, the Hearns, who promote most of the UK's PPV shows, already have pension plans and 5 star insurance packages in place for their Fighters. Barry Hearn helped Barry McGuigan set these plans up for the PBA.
