A professional boxer may choose to take a fight to keep their boxing skills sharp, to avoid ‘ring rust’ or to add to their win or knockout tally. They do this by fighting opponents with seemingly lesser skills, and where it is considered to be a relatively easy win for them. They may choose to fight a journeyman, or a manager may pick an opponent with a style similar to an opponent the boxer is due to face in the future as practice against that style.
Occasionally a tune-up fight may go ‘wrong’ where the opponent is more successful than was expected or even win.
Sometimes referred to as a ‘warm-up’ fight, they might also be taken when a boxer has been beaten or injured and wants to ease the process of getting back in the ring with tougher competition or as preparation for a rematch. Tune-up fights do less for a boxer’s reputation and standing than choosing more challenging opponents.
Boxing Unboxed 