WHY THE IGNORANCE?
THOUGH it is heartening to hear that Ringside Charitable Trust continue to raise money, I am disappointed to hear of the struggle that Dave Harris has endured in getting support from various quarters, but not altogether surprised. Barry Mcguigan tried unsuccessfully to do a similar thing in 2002 and introduce a Union for boxers like other sports have. He highlighted that it is only about five per cent of boxers who are able to make themselves financially secure through boxing, thus leaving most with an uncertain future after hanging up the gloves.
The big problem is that many boxers, though, particularly when starting out, fail to recognise the need to put money aside for the future. Most refuse even to contemplate the thought of injury, rather they see themselves as boxing forever or picture themselves as the next Floyd Mayweather with millions in the bank when they retire. Too many ultimately struggle financially, just to feed themselves and their families and live on the breadline while fighting.
My own opinion is that boxers should be strongly encouraged to look ahead to a time when their career will finish and to be given structured help and education in preparing for this both emotionally and financially. In the meantime, more needs to be done to help those whose careers have long finished.
I would be greatly interested to hear from the big promoters that Dave has approached. I’d like to know why they don’t seem keen to contribute to such a worthwhile cause. Why, too, are they yet to answer his calls or respond to emails?
Why many fighters are unwilling to even to display a badge on their shorts, to promote an organisation whose sole purpose is to support them, is again difficult to comprehend. Perhaps a mention of the Trust could at least be given by them in interviews when they are quick to point out the many sponsors who support their careers in the shortterm.
I wish Dave well with his continued efforts and hope that those who can support him will do so.
Don’t give up, Dave. Continue the fight. I am convinced that many boxers who pay little attention to you now will be eternally grateful to you in years to come. Tim Farmer
THANKS TO THE PROMOTERS
THOUGH I am also frustrated with too many shows falling below expectation I think it’s important to give the promoters credit for keeping the sport going over the last 18 months. Without them, fighters would not be getting paid and we wouldn’t have any boxing to watch at all. Let’s be patient and, above all, be thankful. Lewis Goodall