AboutJackson Rose Expertise I can answer any questions related to boxing and training. I can help anyone prepare for professional or amateur bouts. My trainer/boss of 24 years is in the Golden Gloves Hall of Fame and trained the heavyweight champion of the world. Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Taylor, Billy Bridges, Frankie Randall just to name a few of the boxers who have passed thru the Southerns and/or trained at our gym.
Experience I have been in the sport of boxing since 1984. I started as a boxer and advanced quickly. I was lucky enough to have some of the best sparring in the country with 3 top ten pros in my very gym. I am fortunate enough to live near one of the better boxing programs in the country. In the mid 90's I became a trainer for Golden Gloves. I train amateur and pro fighters. I have worked in many corners at USA and Golden Glove tournaments. My friend, boss and coach is the former President of Golden Gloves. I am also one of the trainers and cornermen for a promising professional heavyweight.
Organizations I am a certified Golden Gloves/USA Boxing Coach. I am also a licensed Second for pro bouts.
Question QUESTION: I'm 28 and would like to turn Pro in order to chase a long time dream and to add additional income. I've been training on and off since I was 12 but I was also a 3 sport athlete in school so I didn't compete in the Golden Gloves. I did fight in 15 smokers and had huge sucess. I've been in the military and will be leaving the military after my next deployment. I've been fighting amature mma for the last few years but my love is boxing. Can you tell me my best and most realistic route to turn pro? Thank you...
ANSWER: Paul,
Well, it can be done. But if your doing it primarily for income it's a tough way to go for not much money. At 28 with no amateur fights you will be labeled right off the bat as an opponent for contenders. This means you will fight guys who are trying to build their record and usually have a strong amateur background and probably a contract with a promoter.
I would focus more on living your dream to be a pro fighter than the making money part. To make money in your shoes, you need to establish yourself as a quality journeyman. You will fight alot and you will fight tough guys. If your in shape and fight hard you will build a fan base and become a draw which means more money.
If I were in your shoes, I would fight amateur for one year. I would take every fight I could get so I could turn open by the regionals. Try to win the regionals which qualifies me for the national golden gloves. Go as far as I can there. If I don't win the regional, turn pro, or turn pro after the nationals if I go. Worst case scenario, I got some good experience.... or, if I make it to the big dance I become more marketable as a pro, especially if I pull off a national title.
good luck
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QUESTION: Thank you...could you give me a ballpark range I could look for as far as fight purses for the first few pro fights? Money isn't the main reason I'm doing this but still with that said I would like to have as much knowlege as I can so I don't get completely taken advantage of as a journeyman.
Answer Paul,
Your welcome.
With no amateur background you will start at about $500 a fight. Depending on the venue you may get paid per round, like $100 a round for a 4 or 6 round fight. This is protect the promoter from guys who lay down. Not that you would, but since you are unknown, new and no amateur background they would be suspicious.
Once you prove yourself and build a good reputation things will change a bit. Fight hard, be in shape, develop good form with your punches because if you are wild you'll get no respect and you'll make pennies fighting bad asses.
This may sound corny, but make sure your trainer cares about your well being. This means he wants you to learn, he wants you to be successful and be healthy. Also, make sure he knows his stuff, you will fight only as good as your trainer can teach.
Be classy at fights. Cordial to promoters and matchmakers. They will remember you and put a star next to your name.
Build a good rep, win some fights, win some fans, be in shape, fight hard and you could make some decent dough. If you get to say 10-6 for instance, you could make $3 or $4 grand a fight and fight 6 to 10 fights a year.
So don't let it be your bread winner, but a fun adventure that's a nice supplement.
