A boxing manager’s skills are determined the relationship between the boxer and his or her manager. Nonetheless, many professionals in this field believe that a specific management style produces more efficient and effective boxers. Former boxers occasionally become managers, and knowledge of the sport of boxing is advantageous. However, interpersonal skills are likely the most important aspect of a boxing manager’s job. In many cases, getting involved in this aspect of the sport and learning from experience is the only way to gain the skills needed to become a boxing manager.
A boxing manager, for the most part, requires boxing-related skills rather than actual boxing talent. Understanding how the sport works, as well as the ideal development of a boxer, is critical. Working with young boxers or being a boxer are both good ways to develop these skills.
Even a great boxer needs to market himself, so interpersonal and business skills are essential. Finding sponsors, opportunities, and profitable matches necessitates both dexterity and business acumen. Making compromises and striking bargains may require an aggressive touch, so being personable isn’t enough for a boxing manager.
One of the most important skills of a boxing manager is keeping his or her boxer happy while representing his or her own interests. Athletes don’t always have a clear idea of how much they should be paid or what opportunities are available to them. When boxers are unhappy, they may threaten to find new management, and a manager’s livelihood may be dependent on the boxer. In order to stay financially secure, managers must be able to work with strong personalities.
Basic legal skills can be very helpful for a boxing manager, as working with contracts is often required. It’s always a good idea to have a contract that spells out the manager’s rights and responsibilities. When signing a boxer up for events and even sponsorships, it’s also important to understand contracts. Although a manager does not need legal training, he or she should be able to read and comprehend this type of document.
Intuition about which boxers are likely to win is one of the most valuable skills a manager can learn. Finding young boxers to manage requires all of the above skills, but selecting the right boxer to shape into a champion may require more than a simple analysis of his or her fighting style. Intuition is often developed through experience, and the best way to do so is to get as involved in boxing as possible.