Should I Become a Boxing Promoter?
Professional promoters recruit the boxers, set up the matches and advertise the bouts. They cover all of the expenses, including all of the people involved to the venue where the matches will take place. Many work hours are spent taking care of the varied details, and extensive travel may be involved.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | None; bachelor's degree common |
| Degree Field | Sports management, business, sports communications, law, marketing |
| Licensure | State licensure needed in states that sanction sporting events |
| Key Skills | Strategic planning, financial management, contract negotiations, talent scouting; marketing, business operations, critical thinking, creative problem solving, written/verbal communication, analytical, time management, and organizational skills |
| Median Salary (2018)* | $66,040 (for agents and business managers of performers and athletes) |
Sources: iSeek Solutions, Florida State Boxing Commission, Eight Count Productions, *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
No degree required to become a boxing promoter, although a bachelor's degree is common. A major in sports management is typical, but other relevant majors include business, sports communications, law, and marketing. State licensure needed in states that sanction sporting events. These professionals should have skills in financial management, marketing, business operations, contract negotiations, and talent scouting. They should also have strong strategic planning, critical thinking, analytical, creative problem solving, written and verbal communication, time management and organizational skills
According to 2018 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agents and business managers of performers and athletes earned a median annual salary of $66,040.
Steps to Become a Boxing Promoter
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Although there is no specific major required to work in the field, a bachelor's degree in sports management could prepare a student for a career as a boxing promoter. These programs teach students about the business aspects of sports. Students may study accounting, marketing, economics, computer applications and management, in addition to sports management-specific class topics, such as sports governance, facilities management, legal aspects of the sports industry and sports sociology.
Many bachelor's degree programs in sports management include an internship as part of the curriculum. Internships are an invaluable way to gain hands-on experience and apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Students may choose to complete an internship with sports marketing firms or professional sports organizations, assisting with media relations, marketing or promotional events.
Step 2: Research Regulations and Pursue Licensing
There are several major professional boxing organizations running boxing matches, with their own regulations that boxing promoters must follow. These include the International Boxing Federation/United States Boxing Association (IBF/USBA), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC). Smaller organizations include the North American Boxing Association (NABA) and Women's International Boxing Federation (WIBF). Organizations for amateur boxers, such as the Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA), also have regulations.
Additionally, states that allow and sanction combative sporting events require licensure for boxing promoters. Although licensing requirements vary from state-to-state, applicants usually need to submit an application, which includes a fee. Some states may also require applicants to send proof of short-term medical insurance before scheduled events. Licensure typically needs to be renewed annually.
Step 3: Seek Out Entry-Level Employment or Experience
One of the best ways to become familiar with the sports promotion field is to gain working experience. Gaining an entry-level job or internship in sports marketing, event promotions or sports management can get one started.
One can gain experience in advertising, sales and project management while learning tasks such as writing press releases, dealing with the media, maintaining current press guides and assisting with event planning. These skills offer a solid foundation for a successful career because a professional boxing promoter must be able to recruit boxers, match them in fights and market the bouts to maximize exposure. This includes scouting for athletes and meeting with boxers and their managers to set up business plans that meet the monetary and career goals of all parties.
Because promoters must fund each event in its entirety, including paying for boxers, managers, referees and venues, they also must be familiar with the market for boxing in various locations. They should know which boxers and weight classes will have the best turnout, as well as how to publicize events for optimum financial gain.
Aspiring boxing promoters often have a bachelor's degree in sports management, sports communication, business, marketing or a related field, and licensure is required in certain states.
