WBA Perspective 2013

As 2012 draws to a close, it is time once again to reflect back over the eventful year that has passed, as well as look ahead to what is in store for the boxing world in 2013. As always, the World Boxing Association plans to be at the forefront of developments for the betterment of our sport in the new year.




2012 saw it's share of ups and downs, good and bad that one would expect to endure within and family, job or endeavor. The WBA is no different. We have been in existence for 91 years, and as we count down toward the inevitable century mark, change is necessary for survival. We have adapted over these last nine decades, and will continue to do so with transparency, integrity and perseverance. 2012 began with personnel changes within our directorate. These changes served to streamline operations for more efficiency. As with any successful business model, when something isn't working the best that it can, change is necessary to improve the business. The WBA has survived this long, not by resting on it's laurels, but by striving to be the best we can be.



Of course, championships continue to be a hot topic within our sport. Interim, regular, and super champions are here to stay. This is no difference not only within the different sanctioning bodies in boxing, but also in other world sports, football, soccer, basketball, baseball. The market bears it, opportunities are afforded to boxers who may otherwise be looked over, and fans get introduced to fighters of whom they might not have had the chance to become fans. So be it a Super Champion, Diamond champion, Interim or Silver, it's the boxers that count and the opportunities for which those boxers fight.



I will also make mention of the continued success of the KO Drugs tradition as well as implementation of new ideas such as electronic scoring which had it's successful debut at the KO Drugs in Jamaica.





The WBA is always open to constructive dialog from those who wish to offer and share it.



The World Boxing Association would like to thank boxing fans around the world for their continued support during 2012 and we wish to see more excitement in boxing and opportunities for boxers in 2013. Happy Holidays to fight fans around the world and a Happy New Year.

Muhammad Ali, Barred From Boxing, Stars In Broadway Musical To Make Money (Did You Know?) | Shadow and Act

Muhammad Ali, Barred From Boxing, Stars In Broadway Musical To Make Money (Did You Know?) | Shadow and Act

WHAT IS A BOXING BUSINESS ANGELS

WHAT IS A BOXING BUSINESS ANGELS:

By: Aaron Snowell

(Trainer Of Champions)

BOXING business angel investors can take several different forms. Your angel might be a family member or friend with deep pockets, or they may be a complete stranger with loads of cash who is interested in investing in start-up companies or boxer. Some boxing business angels are people who have made their money in boxing and want to pass along their good fortune AND their expertise. Other are simply people with money to spend who like the idea of getting involved in boxing. Angels will help with start-up cash, but your proposed business needs to be of a certain size to make it worth their time.

When you're looking for investors in your boxing business, it's important to remember that in exchange for the cash, you'll be giving up a chunk of your business, some of your autonomy, or both. Make sure you carefully consider the real cost of the investment - not only what you will have to pay back, but what you will be sacrificing when you work with an investor - and make sure you are clear on these points in advance. Some things to consider include:

 

·         Does your investor want to be involved in making business decisions? If so, do they have experience in the boxing industry or another creative industry (and if yes, do you share a similar philosophy in terms of the business)? Working with an investor with tons of boxing  industry experience who wants to help you shape and build your business can be a great thing. Working with an investor who simply has a lot of money and wants to invest in your boxing related business because they think it would be kind of fun might not be such a great thing if they want some say-so in your business decisions. (Note that not all investors will want to become involved in your business. Some just want to make an investment and wait for the payoff.)

·         Make sure you understand if you are getting an investment or a loan. Investments bring risk for the investor, and so they understand they may lose their money. A loan needs to be paid back.

·         If your investor is pressuring you to sign over a large share of your business, be cautious. If large amounts of money and large shares are involved, get legal advice.

Another thing to remember when you're seeking investment is that the hardest kind of business to find funding for is a very small one. Generally speaking, investors don't want to talk to you unless you need at least several hundreds of thousands in investment. Boxing business angels will invest in smaller companies than that, but typically they're looking for investment opportunities at least in the tens of thousands range. Raising a few thousand dollars is the hardest thing to do. In the absence of a promoter, manager or generous family/friends, you may need to consider savings, personal loans and credit cards if you need a relatively small amount of money to get going.

Also, be aware that boxing investment is usually given to businesses like  promotion companies, management companies etc. Bands looking for investment will have a difficult time going through one of these routes and will need to look to boxing shows, title fights and so on for their needs.

Winning is the best investment.

What A Fighter Should Do When Knock Down

What A Fighter Should Do When Knock Down
By: Aaron Snowell
      (Trainer Of Champions)

There are four basic approaches:
1. Get to one knee, beat the count of 10, The first is to flee, to stay as far away from your opponent's fists as the 24-foot-square ring will allow, buying time to clear your head and make it to the bell.
(This strategy is often referred to as "getting on one's bicycle).

2. Keep your gloves up beside your head.
3. Tie Up, Place your arms around your opponent's elbows from the outside, pinning them against his ribs or side of the body.
4. Do not attempt to trade punches with your opponent. Went you do punch, use quick punches, avoid leaving yourself open for a counter punch. Do not get hit with the same punch again.

The most important thing is to buy time. Once wobbled by a punch, you are far more vulnerable to attack and far less able to withstand subsequent blows. For many fighters the immediate instinct when hurt is to punch back but this is not the time for offense. You need to clear your head, get your legs back, and avoid being  hit with additional punches that will damage the process. Remember, live to fight another round in the fight.

Clearly, this is a place no fighter wants to go. Yet, every fighter, even the greatest of all time will attest getting tagged now and then. It is how a fighter reacts in that moment of the knock down crisis or when his head is ringing and legs have gone wobbly, that makes the difference between surviving the round and being counted out.

The punch you do not see, get you!

Finally, Listen to your corner, they can see things you do not, use the one-minute rest period between the rounds to completely recovery. Let your corner know how you are filling. Know that you can still win the fight. It just a knock down.