Deontay Wilder
American heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder has faced
criticism over cherry picking opponents to build up his impressive
31-0 record, all by knockouts. Some have criticized him (and others)
as boxers “fighting bums.” To call a boxer a “bum” is mean. That’s
someone who trained hard and is bravely stepping into the ring. The
funny thing is people harshly demanding rounds and tough opponents
who aren’t “bums” wouldn’t last two seconds in the ring with any
boxer, amateur or pro. You want those rounds, you get in the ring
then (LOL).
It is undeniable Wilder can box. However, boxers
shouldn’t be rushed up the ranks. Wilder has been granted a steady
ascent full of wins. For any boxer, each fight should be properly
matched and selected to ensure maximum benefit to one’s client. You
don’t put your client in the ring too early with someone they are
not ready for. Every champion boxer was once an amateur and had to
start at the bottom and work their way up. Respect the process.
Lennox Lewis
A boxers ascent should be steady and smart, not
accelerated. This gives the boxer time to develop as a pugilist, get
all the kinks out of their game and for their respective manager to
make sound, lucrative deals. Promoters should give managers a chance
to properly market their boxers, setting them up with several
endorsement deals, to financially set them up for life. Because all
it takes is one punch from another boxer to result in a knockout and
damage financial prospects. Remember, sponsors want to back winners.
That’s just how it goes.
Former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson’s first title
fight was his 28th. His predecessor Muhammad Ali’s first title shot
was his 20th fight. It gave them time to gain experience at a proper
pace. It paid off, as they became champions and legends.
Floyd Mayweather
Even if a fairly new boxer earns $100,000 to
$150,000 in one year that can’t last for the rest of their life, in
the event something goes wrong with their career. Many boxers don’t
have a college degree to fall back on. Therefore, promoters and
managers must be smart about decisions made regarding boxers’
careers and allow room for proper financial progress and planning.
History has shown many boxers have ended up in
financial straits. It is an unpredictable sport. Therefore, boxers
must make the most of their opportunities while they have them, as
many careers only last a few years. Not everyone becomes rich like
Ali, Mayweather and Lewis.
A FEW TIPS
Learn your craft. Make sure your form and technique
are textbook. It’s not an insult. You must first master the
fundamentals. Correct where you’re going wrong. Be open to
constructive criticism from a sensible, experienced trainer with a
proven track record, as that is the only way you will reach your
full potential.
Limit risks that could create injury in training, in
the ring and outside the ring.
Have proper insurance.
Pay your taxes. Don't end up in jail over tax
delinquencies and avoidance.
Work on your public image to make yourself more
attractive to endorsers. Don’t be reckless on social networking and
at public events, as it will come back to haunt you in the business
world. Even people not in boxing are finding out the hard way that
potential employers are searching social networking before they hire
an applicant and if they see anything inappropriate on your page it
will likely cost you the job (that’s money not in your pocket).
Use some of your earnings as down payment on a home
(even if it is a modest one). Property ownership is a wiser choice
than renting and you are in a position where you can earn enough for
a down payment much more easily than the average person.
Use some of your earnings to start a small business
that can provide for you and your family in the event your career
hits financial difficulties in terms of lack of prize money.
Do not give anyone power of attorney over your
finances. You should always be the final say on your money. There
are unscrupulous people in this world who will plan and scheme
regarding ways to take your money from you.
The foregoing is not a matter of being greedy or
materialistic. It’s just that I’ve seen so many stars crash and
burn. Therefore, I write from what I have witnessed. I’ve seen many
singers, actors and athletes go broke over the years and suffer
emotional and mental distress as a result, some even became suicidal
(and suicide is not the answer to one’s problems) which could have
been avoided with proper career and financial planning.
Your bills will not pay themselves. You have to be
realistic and plan for your financial future. It’s a terrible thing
to experience financial loss and instability that not only affects stars but
their families as well. Be smart about your career. Find ways to
sensibly earn income, don’t be wasteful and make the most of all
your opportunities while they are there.
