Dr. Rudy Mondragón, co-author of a recent UCLA LPPI issue brief that provides an unprecedented look into the labor conditions of professional boxers in California, sheds light on the often precarious and underregulated conditions within the sport. Unlike other major sports in the U.S., professional boxing lacks a centralized regulatory body, leading to inconsistent protections and benefits for fighters, who are classified as independent contractors. This study draws on quantitative data from the California State Athletic Commission and qualitative interviews, providing a granular look at the challenges for Latina/o boxers in the state.

Q: What were some of the most surprising findings from your research on the labor struggles of professional boxers in California? 

Dr. Mondragón: The most surprising finding was that California hosts more shows than Nevada and New York. Even though New York is considered the Mecca for boxing and Nevada is known within the imagination of boxing as the state that hosts the biggest mega-fights in boxing, particularly in Vegas, it is, in fact, California that regulates the most boxing events. A large number of these boxing events are four-, six-, and eight-round fights, which tend to be the lowest-paid matches. I was also surprised to find out that at one point in California’s history with boxing, it was legal for boxers to be paid $1 for their work as boxers. Since 2018, with the leadership of Andy Foster, Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission, the commission has implemented a regulation that sets a per-round minimum of $100.

Q: The report highlights the precarious health and safety conditions faced by boxers. What immediate actions can be taken to ensure better health protections for boxers during and after their careers?

Dr. Mondragón: Boxing will always be a dangerous and risky form of work. An immediate action is to think about what a boxer’s union can look like. There have been past efforts, but they have never materialized. Thinking about what a union can look like in boxing could potentially lead to building a union that will advocate for boxers. I would also say a national pension fund should be created. California has one, but only fighters who boxed a certain amount of fights and rounds within the state are eligible. In learning from and working with California, other state commissions can create a national pension that benefits fighters working in the United States. I also think financial literacy can empower fighters to advocate for themselves within the business side of the sport.   

Q: The economic disparities between top-tier boxers and those fighting in preliminary matches are stark. What mechanisms or policies could help bridge this gap and provide equitable earnings for all boxers?

Dr. Mondragón: Our report showed the median compensation for four-, six-, eight-, 10-, and 12-round fights in California. This data is based on all compensation figures for all boxers fighting within the state in 2021. With this data, we were trying to analyze the boxing market in terms of how boxers were compensated for their labor. We believe that these median figures can inform an increase to the minimum payment of contestants policy that the California State Athletic Commission has from $100 per round to $375 per round ($375 per round equals $1,500 for a four-round fighter, which is the median total). It also presents an opportunity to analyze fighter compensation annually and adjust to account for inflation.   

Q: Based on your findings, what research areas require further exploration to better understand and address the issues professional boxers face in California/other states?

Dr. Mondragón: Since no disaggregated demographic data exists, we could not properly account for gender differences. In the future, a specific exploration of how female boxers are compensated compared to male fighters will be important to see differences in compensation based on sex and account for factors like race, ethnicity, and nationality. 

Thank you, Dr. Mondragón, for providing insights into professional boxers’ often-overlooked struggles, particularly in California. The idea of forming a union, enhancing pension programs, and ensuring equitable compensation are forward-thinking policy solutions that could herald significant improvements in the sport’s labor condition and a more equitable and safe environment for all fighters.