If you have a knack for sales and promotion and a sincere interest in athletic events and media management, you may want to consider a career in boxing promotion. The boxing promoter game takes time to get used to, but the profession potentially can be both lucrative and fulfilling.

Job Description

Boxing promoters organize boxing matches, market the matches and collect money through ticket sales. It's important to note that a promoter is not a manager; in fact, there's a big difference between the two occupations. A promoter is in charge of setting up and paying for everything involved in a boxing match and ensuring it all runs smoothly; whereas, a manager is a boxer's mentor and advisor.

Ideally, boxing promoters should have in-depth professional experience in advertising, project management, marketing and dealing with the media. These skills are important for a career in boxing promotion, which involves recruiting boxers, matching them in fights, and marketing to maximize exposure and create a solid reputation in the field.

Education Required

No degree is required to become a boxing promoter. However, it is highly recommended that you consider a bachelor's degree in sports management or another related field (like business or marketing). In lieu of a boxing promoter degree (which doesn't exist), a bachelor of science degree in sports management can help you learn the general tricks of the trade, including finance and facility management, marketing, communication, sports law and sports history.

There are a handful of major professional boxing organizations with their own regulations that promoters must follow. In addition, states that allow and sanction boxing matches have their own licensing requirements that promoters must adhere to. Depending on the state, promoters may need to submit an application and send proof of medical insurance. Each state is different, so you should get in touch with your local or state boxing commissions office.

Industry

Boxing promoters generally get their start by gaining an entry-level job or an internship in sports management, sports marketing, event promotions or another similar field. From there, aspiring promoters can apply for a promoters license and find and prepare for their first boxing event. Boxing promoter jobs depend on the promoter's ability to organize successful matches, find participants, and obtain the necessary insurance and other paperwork.

Successful, high-profile boxing promoters host regular, high-paying matches and assume all of the financial risks. They are equal part salespeople, performers and advertisers who work hard to sell boxing events to the public.

Years of Experience and Salary

While no statistics are available for a boxing promoter salary, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers data regarding current salaries for agents, managers and promoters of sports in general. According to the BLS, promoters of performing arts and sports earned a median annual salary of $80,990 in 2017, which means that half earned more than this, while the other half earned less.

Meanwhile, agents and managers for athletes, artists and other public figures earned a median annual salary of $94,870 in 2017. This salary data is the closest indicator of the salary that a successful boxing promoter could expect to make.

Job Growth Trend

While job growth trend data for boxing promoter jobs aren't readily available, the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers insightful information on sports manager and promoter jobs in general. For instance, the states with the highest employment levels in these occupations are California and New York (by far), followed by Florida, Tennessee and Texas.

In addition, according to the BLS, employment of entertainment and sports occupations is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. Strong demand from the public and the increasing popularity of sports will contribute to substantial job growth for both entertainment and sports occupations, which, of course, is great news for boxing promoters.