How to Become a Professional Boxer

Promoter Don King has successfully led professional boxing to a whole new level. Earnings potential for top fighters is now in the millions plus a percentage of ticket sales, television revenues and other compensation. Unfortunately, most boxers only earn from $200-$500 for a four-round bout. Major professional boxing associations include the World Boxing Organization (WBO), International Boxing Federation (IBF), Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) and World Boxing Council (WBC)

Things You'll Need

  • Boxing gloves
  • Boxing shorts and shoes
  • Manager
  • Matchmaker(s)
  • Boxing club membership and fees
  • Stable weight class
  • Protective helmet
  • Dental guard
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Instructions

  1. Become a professional boxer

    • 1

      Learn boxing at an early age and practice often. Always wear protective gear until you reach at least 18 years old.

    • 2

      Join a boxing club. There will usually be fees for membership but membership is an essential resource.

    • 3

      Train often and maintain a stable weight in the weight class in which you wish to compete.

    • 4

      Fight against other boxers frequently in actual amateur boxing matches. Sparring is essential but you will learn your weaknesses and strengths quickly when fighting a variety of opponents in actual events.

    • 5

      Sign up with a qualified boxing manager. A good boxing manager will have connections with professional matchmakers which will be needed in order to arrange matches for you. Managers often charge 10% of a boxer’s income for his fee. Matchmakers also charge a fee for arranging boxing matches.

    • 6

      Join one of the professional boxing associations (IBF, WBO, WBC, WIBF). You will need to pay membership fees. You will also be required to obtain a boxer’s license from the appropriate boxing commission in the jurisdictions where you intend to fight professionally.

    • 7

      Begin to compete on a professional level. Matchmakers and your manager should avoid pitting you against other boxers that are not in your same caliber of boxing skill. You will want to maintain a good win-loss record, but you also need to fight boxers that appear to be just as challenging as you are.