BOXING EXHIBITIONS-THE OTHER SIDE OF FIGHT PROFESSIONALISM
So you always dreamed of being a professional fighter. You have been fighting for the last four years and your fight record
is 4-11-1. It just seems like you are ready for a fight after gym preparations, but things do not go your way during bouts
(I know, the fights were fixed. Lots of hometown decisions and sucka referees.)
Yes I know, you quit your job, as a brick layer. Everybody knew after you registered four straight wins, you were on your
way to the championship of the world. Now everyone is asking you to go back into the world of construction. Your girlfriend
is begging you to retire. (I feel your pain!)
You feel like if you get that one last win everything will be back in perspective. (I have a nice bridge to sell you in
Brooklyn.)
Well, instead of disappointing everyone, you can retire and still be a professional fighter.
How???
Fighting exhibitions.
Who says you have to fight under a federation to be a professional fighter. Am I crazy? No!
If you do not want to end your pro career, then exhibitions are a great way of keeping it going. Who says you have to be
bleeding, bruised and knocked out to enjoy the sweet science. At one time or another, you may have fought in an exhibition
fight, so you know it is wonderful. You and your partner throwing punches with enough zip on them not to hurt each other,
but still giving a good show.
As you probably seen more than once on this website, “Americans love to fight...We even cross continents to fight
other peoples battles.” People can say what they want, but we love to watch a good fight. Just look at the TV ratings
of Pro Wrestling, Friday Night Fights, Ultimate Fighter, The Contender, The National Hockey League and people will shell out
$50.00 to pay per view, just to see Mike Tyson lose. Mike haven’t disappointed television yet, win or lose.
There are boxers that has turn to exhibition bouts at night clubs, parties, fundraisers, etc., cashing in and going home
afterwards and ready for work the next morning.
If your career as a prize fighter is not going the way you hoped it would. Then try being an exhibition fighter. You can
still make a decent living.
Exhibitionist fighters earn a living by:
Fighting exciting choreographed fights.
They put on jump rope exhibitions. Some can perform various skill and trick jumps with ropes.
The fighters teach fun Drillz and Skillz to young and old.
Speed punch soap bubbles
Exhibiting their speedy footwork by punching several balloons within a time limit and none of them hitting the floor.
Self defense tricks such as bringing a customer out the audience and throwing punches backwards (...and connecting!).
Fighting members of the audience one handed.
Exhibiting quickness, evasiveness; some fighter are so fast that patrons cannot touch them within a certain time frame.
Blocking exhibitions-Some fighters can plant themselves in one spot. You can punch to their front or back and they will
contort themselves and block every punch.
Punching through doors.
Punching though bricks.
Exhibition boxers versus kickboxers.
Two on one boxing. Three on one boxing, etc.
Speed and Cobra bag trick exhibitions
Male boxers versus Female boxers
And the list goes on.
The boxers are various ages and in superb shape. In most cases, they found out that a career in prize fighting was not
going as planned. So they found variations to the sport they love to keep themselves and the public in awe (Earning good fees
in the process).
Just remember if your career is not what you expected. You have special skills and talent. Exhibition boxing maybe in your
future. Just remember, some of these guys earn more than regular fighters.
As Always...
KEEP YOUR GUARD UP AND STAY CREATIVE
