Ward Champions Pension Scheme for Retired Boxers
In the gritty world of boxing, where the spotlight often fades faster than the bruises, Andre Ward, a titan within the squared circle, has shifted his focus to a fight of a different nature. Speaking at a grassroots boxing event hosted by his former sparring partner, Brandon ‘Flawless’ Gonzales, at the bustling Flawless Boxing gym in Sacramento, Ward shared his vision for the future welfare of fighters.
Championing Fighters’ Rights
During a candid intermission chat, Ward and Gonzales delved into the systemic issues plaguing the sport. Ward, whose prowess in the ring is matched by his advocacy outside of it, expressed, “I would have a fighters union, and have more support for the fighters.” His commentary sheds light on the parasitic nature of the industry, highlighting how promoters and managers, while entitled to their share, often leave fighters high and dry when it comes to healthcare.
A Hall of Famer known for his strategic acumen, Ward’s concern extends beyond the immediate glories of the sport to the long-term wellbeing of its participants. “You don’t understand how important [healthcare] is until you start taking punches without eight-ounce gloves on,” he remarked, emphasizing the critical need for a support system that extends beyond active years in the ring.
Unapologetic Legacy
Ward, the last American male boxer to clinch an Olympic gold medal, has always been a figure of uncompromising integrity and ambition. His retirement has not dimmed his passion but redirected it towards advocating for the rights of fighters, stressing the absence of a safety net post-retirement. “There is no retirement,” he pointed out, highlighting the dire consequences of financial illiteracy among athletes.
A Vision for a Secure Future
His proposal for a union is revolutionary, aiming to equip fighters with retirement plans, healthcare, disability support, and crucially, financial education. “Just having a union, where fighters could have retirement, healthcare, and disability if something bad happened in the ring and financial education… So they could learn what to do with their money. It is one thing to make the money, but do you know how to invest it and save it,” Ward elucidates.
This conversation, ignited by Ward, is more than a call to arms; it’s a blueprint for a future where fighters are not left defenseless outside the ring. It’s a testament to Ward’s enduring legacy, one that champions the wellbeing of his peers with the same fervour he once reserved for his opponents.
In a sport that demands everything, Ward’s advocacy offers a beacon of hope for a more equitable and supportive boxing community.