Business of Boxing

Athletes put their bodies on the line to compete in the sports they love but often the physical endurance they have to face does not weigh up to the amount that they earn. Thought to be the most physically demanding sport in the World, boxing is one of the most difficult to make money. For all the blood, sweat and tears and intense physical exertion the fighters put themselves through, the amount of people who go from grassroots to the Champion of the World is minimal and the many paths to the top aren't easy and are seldom lucrative. For some, the most beneficial route is through the Olympics, which helps springboard them to the professional leagues. Competing at an elite level, the athletes get allowances so they can focus on training but the training programme can last for multiple years and the level of commitment needed is large. For others it involves working the amateur circuit at the weekend and a day job during the week, fitting training and recovery in where they can. But even once they make it to the money side of the sport the next challenge is to get an audience. This film will look at the business of boxing and what it takes to fight to the top.