Boxers face a unique set of challenges that often go unaddressed in the sport. As many athletes continue to take risks for the sake of their careers, their post-retirement needs and protections have frequently been overlooked. However, a new movement, the Global Fighters Association (GFA), is looking to change that by providing fighters with the kind of support and protection seen in other major sports.
The GFA is drawing inspiration from successful organizations like the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), with the goal of offering boxers access to the kind of financial security and aftercare that is often absent in the boxing world. Founded by former middleweight boxer Paul Smith and other prominent figures like Amir Khan, the GFA is setting out to address a number of pressing issues, including lack of healthcare, pension funds, and post-career support.
According to Smith, the situation in boxing has become a crisis that is no longer surprising. “There’s not enough care, there’s not enough protection for fighters,” Smith said. “After boxing, there’s no pension funds in place, there’s no insurance, there’s no healthcare.” Many boxers, particularly those who retire without substantial wealth, are left with few options for post-career life, with many forced to deal with long-term health issues, financial instability, and a lack of support from promoters or governing bodies.
The GFA has been formed as a response to these problems, recognizing that the need for change has never been greater. “The timing of this is critical; it’s never been needed more,” said Martin O’Shea, a co-founder of the GFA. O’Shea believes that the growing popularity of boxing, coupled with the increasing demands on fighters, has made it clear that the current system is unsustainable. Without a formal framework for protecting athletes and ensuring their long-term well-being, the sport risks harming its participants and damaging its credibility.
Boxing and MMA are currently the only major sports that do not have recognized union representation. Unlike football, basketball, and other team sports, where players can rely on unions to provide support in areas like contract negotiation, healthcare, and pensions, fighters have largely been left to fend for themselves. This lack of protection has been a longstanding issue in the sport, with fighters often facing exploitation, health risks, and financial instability once their careers are over.
The GFA’s approach is to provide a comprehensive support structure for fighters at every stage of their careers. This includes negotiating better contracts, ensuring fair wages, providing access to healthcare, and offering financial planning and retirement services. The association also aims to establish a safety net for fighters, with insurance plans to cover the physical risks of the sport and programs to help them transition into life after boxing.
The GFA is not only focused on advocating for fighters, but also on educating stakeholders, including promoters and governing bodies, about the need for these changes. Paul Maloney, the GFA’s acting general secretary, emphasized the importance of working alongside industry leaders to create a sustainable system that benefits all parties. “We would like to educate stakeholders and bring them along with us,” Maloney said. “If promoters and others see the benefits of better protecting fighters, they’ll support the cause.”
One notable figure who has expressed support for the GFA’s efforts is promoter Ben Shalom, who sees the value in providing better support for fighters. Shalom believes that improving the welfare of athletes will not only help them personally but will also lead to a healthier and more sustainable boxing environment. “If they’re going to benefit by more people coming through the ranks in better shape and making their families more secure, then who will oppose that?” he said.
The GFA’s efforts are especially timely, as the boxing world continues to grow in prominence. Major events, such as the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, as well as Natasha Jonas’ fight with Lauren Price, are drawing attention to the sport and its athletes. With more eyes on boxing, the GFA hopes to use this momentum to push for meaningful change that will ensure the well-being of fighters for years to come.
In a sport often defined by risk and sacrifice, the need for aftercare, financial security, and proper protection is clear. The GFA’s mission is not just to support fighters during their careers, but to provide a lasting legacy that ensures future generations of boxers are better protected, healthier, and more secure.
