When you hear about the big money paid to boxers, it is worth noting how the money is divided. Boxers can and do become very wealthy, but that is not always the case. The amounts paid increase with the amount of appeal a fight has for ticket sales, broadcast deals and pay-per-view, but the boxer is only one of many people who get to share the prize fund or ‘purse’.
The promoter earns money from the fight with things such as TV licenses, and the fighters’ purses are agreed by negotiation. Their costs will often include the venue, marketing the fight etc.
The specific terms a boxer has with their team will vary, and well established boxers may be able to negotiate better deals.
How Is The Purse Divided?
The Manager, who sets up the fights and negotiates the terms, takes around 30% of the purse. The Trainer will often take about 10%. The Cutman may take a flat fee but a standard fee may be 2%.
The Sanctioning Bodies such as WBC/IBF/WBO also make money from the fight with fees, often around 3% of the fighter’s purse. Some fighters have refused to pay these fees and given up belts for this reason.
Established boxers also pay their sparring partners, usually a flat fee, let’s say $2,000 each.
A boxer may also have additional staff to pay including strength and conditioning coaches, a chef, helpers, a legal team. Other expenses include training, hotels and transport.
Like most of us, a boxer pays tax on their earnings, so after expenses, the tax man takes a bite out of the remaining pie.
“When you look at it, out of every hundred quid, a lot goes to the taxman and a lot to the trainers and the team. Before you know it, what you’re left with in reality is about 30 to 40 per cent”
Antony Joshua in Interview
So the take-home pay for a fighter is significantly less than the original figures. It may still be millions for some fights, and sponsorships increase the earnings for a fighter even further.
However, the expenses can be difficult for less established fighters to earn decent money. New fighters may have a different financial setup.
Thanks to Alex Loup for the image.
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