Professional Boxing is the only sport that does not have a nationwide pension plan for retired athletes. 87% of professional boxers end their career with some kind of damage. For some, there are brain injuries, neurological and or physical damages, and for too many, these injuries lead to homelessness, substance abuse issues, phsychiatric disorders and dementia pugilistica (the medical term for being "punch drunk."
In 1998, retired professional boxer, Alex "The Bronx Bomber" Ramos started the Retired Boxers Foundation to assist these fighters in the transition from their glorious days in the ring to a dignified retirement. Only one state offers a pension--California--and it charges the fans $.89 per ticket sold at each boxing show, resulting in a pension that pays $2.00 a round. For a boxer like Alex Ramos, it would amount to $150 a month, which is clearly not enough to live on. If EVERY STATE charge $1 per ticket sold, Alex would have retired with a monthly income of nearly $1,200 a month.
If the powers that be in boxing are not willing to initiate a nationwide pension for retired professional boxers, then we will--with the help of sports fans around the country!
We, the undersigned fans of the sport of boxing, would gladly pay an extra $1 for every ticket sold to a professional boxing event, so that professional boxers who risk their lives for our entertainment, have a decent pension when they retire!
Professional Boxing is the only sport that does not have a nationwide pension plan for retired athletes. 87% of professional boxers end their career with some kind of damage. For some, there are brain injuries, neurological and or physical damages, and for too many, these injuries lead to homelessness, substance abuse issues, phsychiatric disorders and dementia pugilistica (the medical term for being "punch drunk."
In 1998, retired professional boxer, Alex "The Bronx Bomber" Ramos started the Retired Boxers Foundation to assist these fighters in the transition from their glorious days in the ring to a dignified retirement. Only one state offers a pension--California--and it charges the fans $.89 per ticket sold at each boxing show, resulting in a pension that pays $2.00 a round. For a boxer like Alex Ramos, it would amount to $150 a month, which is clearly not enough to live on. If EVERY STATE charge $1 per ticket sold, Alex would have retired with a monthly income of nearly $1,200 a month.
If the powers that be in boxing are not willing to initiate a nationwide pension for retired professional boxers, then we will--with the help of sports fans around the country!
We, the undersigned fans of the sport of boxing, would gladly pay an extra $1 for every ticket sold to a professional boxing event, so that professional boxers who risk their lives for our entertainment, have a decent pension when they retire!
I used to box in a Police athletic league & believe there should be a plan like there are in other sports.
boxing for me means the love of my father, and wanting to make him proud of me. Unfourtunatley i lost my father when i was 11 years old, but our love of boxing has kept me forever connected to the greatest champion to have ever lived, my Father.
Well my entire life is comsume around boxing becuase it was the thing that help shape me into who I am today. Boxing protected me from the streets of New York as a kid growing up in The Bronx. Boxing was what gave me the motivation to finish De Witt Clinton School. My mother told me if I did not go to shcool and pass my all my classes she would not let me go to the boxing gym.
Boxing has a rich history that is worthy of preserving and the fighters who make it possible should have a pension plan when they retire.
boxing to me is a favourite pass time that me and my father share.
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7:47 am PDT, Aug 31,
Hubie Thompson, New Jersey
Most boxers are just regular guys focused on training and just getting by, never realizing that they may need medical attention or a pension. Hell, most fighters don't even know what a pension is. I started boxing when I was 15yrs old and still do the workout till today (46yrs old). I never wanted to be a pro because even as a kid I saw no future for a boxer when he was done. This would be a great move for the athletes and for the sport. |
PLEASE HELP THE RETIRED BOXERS PETETION!!!
Boxing is a sport I respect, admire and will always support..... I love the sport and what joys it has brought to many throughout the 100 years plus of its organizational experience..... Although, it has been around for centuries. Kindly, Eddie Montalvo
Boxing means a lot. It now only is a form of art work, but discipline, sacrifice, and passion.
I believe it is a terrible tragedy to turn our athletic icons into disposable heroes. Boxers perform under extreme conditions, risking their lives to entertain and line the pockets of everyone involved from the promoters, to the managers, trainers, cornermen, networks, and fans that wager on the winner. It is time that we gave them something in return, to honor their performance after they have pushed themselves beyond human limits.
boxing has been a passion of mine since i was a kid. i have total respect and admiration for boxers who are courageous enough to take the risks of being a true ring warrior.
I love boxing.
