Expert: Jack Rose - 2/16/2009

Question
hi, im currently trying to get into managing fighters because ive always loved boxing and im not sure if compeition is for me but i KNOW managing would be what i wanted to do ...but i have also thought of promoting...but im not sure that i know the difference between manager-promoter-matchmaker..listening to others it seems like they are all the same thing so was wondering if u could break it down for me ...also what would be your advice for someone trying to find people to manage and promote?

Answer
Hello J.J.

There are different responsibilities. The manager represents the fighter. Everything that happens in the fighter's career goes through the manager.
Promoters are in charge of the venue. He puts up the money for the fighters and makes sure everybody gets paid. He also does all the marketing, matchmaking and accommodating of the fighters, trainers, all the officials, securing a venue and tv arrangements if sought after.

The matchmaker normally works for the promoter. He is a liaison among the managers of both fighters and the promoter. He is responsible for matching up a fair, exciting fight that both managers have to agree on and that will also be profitable for the promoter. He gets paid by the promoter.

Managers and promoters seek each other out to make a deal on a fight. Sometimes promoters will ask a fighter to sign a multi-fight deal for X amount of time if he is a good draw for whatever reason. This contract will be done through the fighters manager. This means the promoter has rights to promote every fight for that boxer until the contract expires.

Keep in mind managing can also cost money. The less of a big name your boxer has, the more money it will cost you, especially in the beginning. Equipment, sparring partners, travel expenses for training or sparring all come out of the manager's pocket. Only the big promoters will cover some of these expenses outside the actual fight and the details must be in the contract or it can get harry.
Of course the manager does all this with the expectation that he will be repaid in the future if his fighter gets some big fights.

Promoters get paid by ticket sales, tv money, pay per view and ad sales.

Fighters get paid by promoters.

Managers and trainers get paid by fighters after their paid by promoters, technically speaking. (The money usually goes to the manager first and then distributed accordingly.... this is why fighters and managers need a trusting relationship)

I hope some of this is helpful.
Good question....  best of luck to you.

Jackson