IBA AMATEURS HIGHLY PAID THAN AFRICAN PRO BOXERS
Zimbabwe’s renowned promoter Clyde Musonda didn’t mince his words when I asked him how many years it can take a pro boxer in Africa to make $100,000, the prize money for gold medalists at the just-concluded Women’s World Championships in Serbia.
“In African professional boxing, it can take ten years for a boxer to reach that figure from accumulated payment per fight,” revealed Musonda in an interview with boxersworld.co.ke.
“The money in the world championships in Serbia is way above what African pro boxers earn here, the prize money for the IBA amateurs is very attractive as compared to what we pay in Africa.”
For all the razzmatuzz and flashy posters on social media, Musonda is brutally honest as he says it’s all showbiz but the truth is that African pro boxers earn a pittance.
“The biggest problem we have in Africa as promoters is lack of sponsors and TV rights,” explains the former Zimbabwean international boxer.
“In country’s like Russia, TV’s even control pro boxing by deciding on the dates, TV stations are in charge of boxing but in Africa they want to be paid by the promoters for covering their card, we still have a long way to go in our continent.”
Musonda says the foreign promoters take advantage of the current situation in Africa when they invite us for fights overseas.
“I remember when I took my boxer Kudakwashe Chiwandire for a WBC title fight in Mexico, they wanted to pay her $10,000. I refused I told them if that’s the case I can invite you to Africa for the same amount, eventually they agreed to pay her $20,000.”
What’s the average purse paid to boxers campaigning in Africa?, I ask Musonda.
“To be honest with you it’s not more than $10,000, I’ve done matchmaking for many years, payment is always less than $7000. However, it varies with different promoters but it’s approximately between $1000 to $7000.”
Namibia’s celebrated pro boxer Jeremiah Nakathila aka Low Key concurs with Musonda that amateur boxers in the IBA world tournaments earn more than African pro boxers.
Commenting on the top prize money of $100,000 in Women’s World Championships in Serbia, Nakathila says: “There are levels and few countries in the continent can produce an elite boxer who can generate $100,000 per fight. To be honest, most, if not all, African pro boxers don’t reach that good payday until they retire from boxing.”
The professional boxer says it’s very difficult for a pro boxer in Africa to earn more than $25,000, the money offered to bronze medalists in Serbia.
“When fighting in Africa it’s hard to be paid $25,000. I’m not sure if I can get an offer of more than that unless one is fighting overseas,” he says. “I get over $25,000 in two fights outside Africa,” he reveals.
Nakathila hails IBA for paying boxers handsomely which he describes as a big inspiration for them to excel. The boxer says he’s ready to feature in the IBA Champions’ Night fights if invited.
“For sure if I get such an invitation from IBA I’ll take it with both hands. I’m very impressed with IBA’s high standards.”
Kenya’s Commonwealth champion and WBF title holder Sarah Achieng aka Angel of War is also keen to participate in IBA Champions’ Night series.
“I love the professional manner in which the IBA organise their events and their good purse, it’s so colourful. I’m always ready to fight in their card if I’m invited,” says Achieng, citing the prize money in Women’s Worlds in Serbia.
“Most boxers in Africa are earning way below compared to amateur boxers who were fighting in Serbia,” says Achieng.
“Even title fights here don’t pay what a bronze medalist ($25,000) earned in Serbia. It could take a decade for an African pro boxer to make $100,000 unless they land a big international fight.”
Achieng has so far defended her Commonwealth title twice but financially she has not benefitted from the title she captured in 2021 when she outpointed Malawi’s Anisha Basheel at the Charter Hall. Her purse for winning the Commonwealth title didn’t exceed $3000.
“We just have big titles and belts but no money. Lack of regular fights and low purses paints a bleak future for pro boxing in Africa.”
Achieng is of the opinion if the situation doesn’t improve some boxers will give up and turn to other careers.
“Pro boxing in Africa needs proper structure, more business-minded people investing in the sport, consistent promotions and good TV deals. Unfortunately, in Africa we don’t have TV sponsoring fights like in Europe and the USA. We have a long way to go in the continent.”
Achieng congratulated compatriot Liz Andiego for earning $10,000 (Ksh1.2 million) in the Serbia World Championships.
“That’s good money for Andiego I’m proud of her determination and consistency, what she earned is enough to pay like 20 boxers in a Kenya pro boxing card.”
