Expert: Jack Rose - 10/22/2008

Question
hey im 22 yrs old from Tuscaloosa,AL and i have a female boxer and a male MMA fighter wanting me to manage them but im not sure what all im supposed to do and what exactly my role is in order to get paid,like whats my duty as a manager,do i need a license,how do i make contracts for them to sign with me..etc. thanks
                                      J.J.

Answer
JJ,

Your job is to connect your fighter with matchmakers and/or promoters and approve or disapprove of opponents they present to you. You also make sure the contract for the fight has your fighters best interests at heart. You make sure they get paid and you get paid. You are getting paid by the promoter. It can be a per fight situation or a multi-fight contract. All this should be in the contracts. Your fee and any other team member's normally comes off the gross that is promised the fighter. You make all the arrangements for trips, reservations etc etc. You set up sparring and if you hire sparring partners you pay them yourself. Yes it can get expensive but this is the risk of the sport for a manager. You may get reimbursed if they succeed as a fighter but you may not.
You only need a license if you plan to be in the corner which you have to get one for each state you fight in. The states athletic commission will issue you a non athlete boxing license after you fill out a form and pay a fee.
A lawyer needs to make the contract between you and the fighter. You and fighter need to be present so you an agree on fees and such.

good luck,

Jackson