Essential Elements of a Contract Between A Boxer and Manager

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Read the fine print and hire an experienced boxing attorney.

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Read the fine print and hire an experienced boxing attorney

Jul 17, 2012

by JSMaresca
posted in Contact Sports

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Most , if not all, pro boxers are faced with the prospect of
seeking out a manager to arrange fights, make provisions for training,
secure staff to work the corner and deal with the State Boxing Commission.
Once a manager has been secured, the next step is to
formalize the relationship in a signed contract subject to
the filing and licensing rules of the State Boxing Commission.

The standard contract between a boxer and his/her manager
consists of a variety of elements. The first and perhaps most
important element is the period of time of the contract. Two
to three year contracts are not uncommon in the industry.
Some states like Pennsylvania limit the term to three years.

During this time period, the manager agrees to pay the boxer
an amount which may approximate 60-65% of the proceeds of a fight.
The difference includes manager training fees, licensing, insurance,
the cutman, hotel/motel and travel expenses to and from the fight venue.
The boxer is required to faithfully execute the contract except in
the event of extraordinary and uncontrollable circumstances.

During the pendency of the fight contract, the boxer agrees to
utilize his/her talent as directed by the manager. This requirement
is in place to prevent the boxer from utilizing the talent for
backyard fights or local contests where the public bets on the
outcome between fighters. In addition, the boxer agrees to
attend training exercises and special intensive camp sessions.

Boxers under contract usually develop a style and reputation
which makes them a unique drawing card. Therefore, the contract
generally does not seek to control the boxer's style or manner of
competing. Generally speaking, boxers are considered to be
independent contractors.

In return for the boxer's personal services, the manager agrees
to provide best efforts to secure events and competitions
consistent with the boxer's level of boxing achievement.

In practice, this means that an entry level pro boxer should not
be scheduled for a twelve round fight in a pro debut. Both the
boxer and the manager agree not to sell or assign any portion of
the contract.

Once a contract is signed and filed with the State Boxing Commission,
the parties are bound. In anticipation of the signing, each party should
seek the services of an experienced boxing attorney to read the
contract and explain the rights, duties, obligations and recourse
for each party.

The circumstances for canceling the contract should be set forth
clearly due to a number of factors including impossibility of performance.
In addition, the boxing contract may state the manner of settling disputes
either within a specific court venue, by forced arbitration, the use of the
State Boxing Commission or some other method mutually agreed to by the parties.

Lastly, boxers who are United States citizens over the age of eighteen should
have completed their registration with the Selective Service System.
This issue could become problematic for boxers who are 26 or over and have not registered.
Selective Service will accept late registrations but not after a man has reached age 26.

References:
1. http://www.abcboxing.com/documents/abcboxing...ut_sample_contracts.htm

2. http://www.sss.gov/default.htm

Article first published as <a href='http://blogcritics.org/sports/article/essent...-of-a-contract-between/'>"Essential Elements of a Contract Between A Boxer and Manager"</a> on Blogcritics.