It was a remarkable and compelling rise to the spotlight. But then came the stunning, confounding, and ultimately tragic fall. In the 30 for 30 film "Tommy," directors Erin Leyden and Gentry Kirby explore the story of one-time heavyweight boxing champion Tommy Morrison in a tale that's unlike any other. Born into a troubled family in the American heartland, Morrison's initial emergence as a fighter was bolstered by a starring role in Rocky V. A few years later, he beat George Foreman for the WBO heavyweight title, and seemed primed for more stardom, even in the face of blown opportunities and upset losses. But then everything changed in early 1996, when he tested positive for HIV, forcing him into retirement. From there, Morrison's life spiraled further and further downward, plagued by drug problems, jail time, and most alarmingly and bizarrely, an eventual denial that he had the virus at all. There have been other boxers, and other sports stars, whose stories ended sadly. But rarely is the loss of potential as poignant as the case of Tommy Morrison.
American Boxing Association launches American boxer retirement initiative
September 6th, 2017 -
The American Boxing Association (ABA) is excited to launch the American Boxer’s Retirement Initiative, with the goal of helping fighters to invest in themselves. Until now, professional boxing has been the only sport in the United States that does not have a nationwide pension plan that covers athletes after they retire. Boxing isn’t just a way of life for a professional. Boxing is life or death for them, yet many ex-fighters find life outside the ring harder to deal with than a life without the structure and routine that training provides.
Some boxers frivolously dwindle their wealth at the peak of their careers, only to face a harsh reality when they pass their primes. Without a nest egg to sustain their families, many are forced into a career changes. As Floyd Mayweather Jr. told the Guardian’s Donald McRae, “Boxing is real easy. Life is much harder.”
The American Boxing Association is proud to announce to all American boxers that we are offering to waive the standard sanctioning fees on title fights in order to encourage them to plan for the latter years of their lives. The Association of Boxing Commissions, and the Professional Boxers’ Assistance Foundation have raised a lot of money to help one down and out fighter per year receive retirement benefits, but the American Boxing Association felt that this is a need across boxing. “Every fighter can benefit from having the advise of a trained financial advisor,” said James Hagler, President of the American Boxing Association. “We want to help fighters invest in themselves.” The American Boxer’s Retirement Initiative will provide professional boxers with access to an independent financial planner, and the fighters’ fees will be reinvested in their future by covering all the setup costs associated with a 401k.
Ex-boxers like Riddick Bowe and Tony Tucker have become members of the ABA to help foster the next generation of American boxing champions. “I want to help prevent athletes from being exploited by managers, family, friends and as well as their own weaknesses,” said Bowe.
Evander Holyfield believes the initiative to provide financial and medical assistance to up-and-coming boxers will revolutionize the sport. “I really want to thank James Hagler, President of the American Boxing Association for his efforts to improve the sport and protect the fighters.” Holyfield went on to say that he was inspired to become a boxing promoter so that he could do right by his fellow boxers. Hagler and Holyfield share the same vision for American boxing. “We not only want what’s best for them during their careers, but we want what’s best for them beyond their careers.” said Holyfield.
For more information about the ABA, or to register with the American Boxing Association, visit www.ababoxing.us.
Trey Lippe-Morrison (6-0, 6 KOs)
Kenzie Witt (3-0, 3 KOs)
Jesse Cook (14-0, 9 KOs)
Jarrett Rouse (4-0, 2 KOs)
Dillon Cook (13-0, 5 KOs)
Olympian Charles Conwell (134-15 as an Amateur)
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Tony Holden announces free outdoor boxing event in Miami, Ok.
Main event broadcast on FS1
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Imagine promoters with their fingers on the social media pulse, ready to respond to direct consumer demand by giving the most talked-about fighters more and better fights, or putting out regular podcasts to chat with the up-and-comers.
None of this is lost on the powers that be, of course. Besides ESPN2, HBO and Showtime, we're seeing good avenues opening up. Boxing's push on to NBC Sports Network has been successful in promoting great fighters in tandem with Showtime contracts. Golden Boy Live! provides free programming on the newly minted Fox Sports 1.
Boxing in the age of Netflix: how the sport can survive 21st century media
23 companies that sponsor fighters reveal what they look for in you
Do you think you need to be ranked #1 to get noticed by companies that sponsor fighters?
Think again.
Although winning is important, in this expert roundup you’ll discover that self-promotion, marketing, and reaching out to companies is far more crucial to getting sponsored.
Marvin Hagler Jr. Vs Sugar Ray Leonard Jr.
Thirty years after their fathers fought a still-controversial bout, Marvin Hagler Jr. and Ray Leonard Jr. will square off in the ring on April 8, 2017 in a match hosted by Celebrity Boxing.
Read the Full Article at Enterprise News
The ABA Welcomes It's Newest Member
James Hagler
Owner, C.E.O, Founder, Manager and Admin
James, Hagler, son of Marvelous Marvin Hagler, has taken steps to expand the American Boxing Association in the Southeast Division by opening a new franchise in Atlanta, Georgia.
I've Been around Boxing all my life and even had an amateur background Boxed on team Holyfield 3x regionals champ's Team Hloyfield 3x time Georgia State Games champ ABF champ. My goal is to be the best Boxing Promoter there is.
Soon fighters from all over the southeast region will be able to come to Atlanta to compete to find out once and for all who is the greatest boxer in America.
Boxers can become members of the American Boxing Association for FREE by clicking the Link below.
Oklahoma Boxing
Father and Son both victorious in historic fight night. Jim Roach and son Jimmy "Mack Truck" both come away with Ws in Grove, Oklahoma.
American Boxing Association
Honorary Southeast Regional Champion
ABA has awarded it's first southeast regional title to Brandon Spencer, after being declared the winner of the 1st Annual Tommy Morrison Memorial 8-Man Tournament.
The Jimmy Joe's Promotions Ring Girls pose with Brandon Spencer and his wife Tiffany after receiving the ABA Southeast Regional belt at the Grove Fight Night on April 29th.
Kenzie Morrison, son of Tommy "The Duke" Morrison greets the small town crowd at the Grove Civic Center
Brandon spencer fought 3 bouts in an 8-man tournament. Here pictures after winning a decision against Charles Hackman .
ABA former President steps out of the board room and into the ring
Jim Roach was an accomplished amateur boxer during the 1980s. Now, at 48, he prepares for his first bout as a professional fighter. BILL HAISTEN/Tulsa World
Father and Son both victorious in historic fight night. Jim Roach and son Jimmy "Mack Truck" both come away with Ws in Grove, Oklahoma.
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Jimmy "The Mack Truck" Roach goes 3-0 after a quick first round KO in front of his home town crowd in his Co-main event at the Tommy Morrison Tournament of Champions in Grove, Oklahoma on February 27th, 2016.