(JAN 11)
The basic given is that the fighter, female or otherwise, has a
good trainer, trains daily, spars regularly, and has no
dilutions about earning big money in the sport.
After that it's the "Three M's", Management, Media, and
Matchmaking.
1. Management-
any fighter, female or male, must have
representation to get fights on a regular basis. This is even
more important for female fighters as the fights are scarcer.
Calling promoters on your own looks unprofessional and you will
ultimately be taken advantage of. Unless you are coming with a
pedigree, ie. Olympic medalist, do not expect a manager or
promoter to support you. Just look for one who is well
connected, has worked with women before, and has some passion
for the sport rather then just being in it for the money.
Understand that if you're making very little then the manager is
making a small percentage of "very little" so treat him or her
with respect but also try and make sure they are actually doing
something and you are not just losing time and standing still
with no fights.
25% is a fair percentage to pay managers especially if they
aren't fronting any money or expenses. Make sure to have goals
built in to any contract you may sign with a manager or
promoter. This means a minimum number of fights per year,
minimum purses, increased number of rounds per fight, and title
opportunities over time. No contract term should exceed 3 years
and any default in "goals" by the manager or the promoter should
allow you to terminate the agreement.
Finally, never advance any money to the manager or pay any of
his or her expenses. If anything it should be the opposite if at
all.
2.
Media - Self marketing, especially once again in women's
boxing, is very important. Try and get a televised fight
wherever possible. If it's not televised, try and have someone
in the audience record it for airing on You Tube and other
outlets to show off your talents. Obviously do not do this if
you look poor or lose.
Take every available opportunity to get press, in print or on
line. Make sure to seek out all journalists at weigh ins. Have
business cards printed and give them out to any and all press,
promoters, etc. Have a good photo of yourself ready on line to
send to press and promoters as well.
Try to have a good story
about yourself that differentiates you from the rest of the
pack. It won't be good enough to just say you trained hard and
are in good shape. That's a given. You're going to need more. Do
not depend on your manager or promoter to get you press even
though they should. Self promotion is mandatory and do not look
at it like you'll be perceived as an egotist. If you don't take
control of it no one else will.
Use social media as well but be
careful not to write about silly things, like what you had for
lunch, and not to be an exhibitionist, constantly shooting pics
of yourself on your iPhone. Just let people know when you're
fighting, or that you're available for a fight, take pics of
yourself with other well known fighters, and anything else that
would be subtle but helpful.
Journalists are always looking for someone to write about and to
talk to. You can make their job easy with the right approach.
But it will take time for them to know you, trust you, and be
comfortable with you. But it will happen.
Also, don't just be on
time, be early. Be the first at the press conferences, the weigh
ins etc. The less crowded things are the better chance you have
to get someone's ear.
3.
Matchmaking - the number one mistake made by women fighters
is taking matches way over their heads just in order to get a
fight and a small pay day. This is always a disaster and
fighters wake up all of a sudden with an 0-5 record and
basically suspended by the athletic commissions or unused by the
promoters because they can no longer get matches approved for
this fighter.
Learn to say "NO!". If a fight looks bad on paper
then it likely is. Also be weary of fighters that have had
extensive amateur background, but few pro fights. (see Jeanine
Garside who surprised many pros after a stellar amateur career,
but initially no one took her seriously as a pro).
A good manager should know how to match you properly as you gain
experience. A loss is not the end of the world but a loss
because of a lopsided match up is a waste of time and effort.
Also make sure not to move up from four round fights until you
can easily go four and are ready for a six, and then an eight,
etc.
Stay in your proper weight class. Women boxers tend to cruise
all over various weight divisions, either in order to obtain
fights or to not have to make a difficult weight. Either of
these reasons is poison. You don't want to give away size nor do
you want to be weak from losing weight to get down to where you
shouldn't be.