Fox Interviews Sherry Wash about proposing Boxing Union – Apr. 13, 2001

 

TL FOX: What is your experience as a boxer? And do you think that experience qualifies you to know what is best for women boxers? 

SHERRY: I slipped on my first pair of gloves in 1996. At that time I resided in the state of Virginia whereas the opportunity to gain experience via competing as an Amateur was not afforded me due to my age being 32. The only way for me to obtain experience was by way of fighting in The Toughman/Toughwoman Fights to which I did. I’m sure as you well know scores of today’s female fighters did the same. 

TL FOX:  Do I think that experience qualifies me to know what is best for Female Fighters?

SHERRY: There is really no comparison between the Toughwoman fighting and Professional fighting.  

TL FOX: Have you ever been a union rep, or involved in union negotiations, arbitrations, union contracts, or anything related to the field of union issues? If you have no experience, then how will you deal with organizing such a huge feat without the basis of having a background in this field? 

SHERRY: Do I have any experience with Unions? Not one. How would I deal with such a huge task with no Union background you ask? To answer that question, lets first begin with what the word Union actually means. The Websters dictionary puts it simply as Quote: Something formed by a combining of members of Independent Individuals for some Common Purpose. Being that the common purpose is to forward the Women’s Boxing movement and doing so with regard to Representation as a whole body. Perhaps your comparing a Female Fighters Union to say a Police Officers Union to which you have been involved in is very different as compared to the handling of Professional Athletes. In answer to how I would deal with the organization of said Union, firstly we have to crawl before we can walk. If there are enough fighters that see this advantageously to there Careers then it will be shown by way of response. In dealing with the way that said Organization would be set up, this too would refer back to the Female Fighters and compiling the details of what there main concerns are. I’m not about to sit back as an individual and just put into stone how this should be or that. This body of individuals would be listened to as a whole and would be deciding as a whole what is in there best interest, and how to go about fairly deciding on such. 

TL FOX: How would you deal with women boxers that fight out of the United States?  

SHERRY: A Union fighter could still compete anywhere they wish in the World. After establishing a set of bylaws within the Union, the Nonunion party outside of the U. S or even out of the state for that matter would be held contractually to agree to and abide by these rules as set forth. A fighter that joins in with the Union would still be free to fight independently outside but would not have the backing of a Union set of rules. After all, it would not be fair to the fighter if for example they were offered a bout worth 20,000.00 but had to decline due to the other fighters camp not wanting to abide by any Union laws. The fighter would have to make an educated decision as to what is best for them on a fight by fight basis. Then too you have the scenario of #1 ranked Champion is a Union Fighter, the challenger is not. If the challengers camp wants to advance there fighter by way of ranking status then they have to take out the Champ. The Champ wants to be assured that at the last minute the challenger doesn’t back out so she opts to include the Union in her dealings with the challenger. In comes the contractual agreement between the two parties. 

TL FOX: You mentioned to me that you fought from age 21 years to 23 years in “back alley” fights (bare knuckled). Can you tell more about these experiences, and how they relate to women’s boxing? 

SHERRY: As with your question previously concerning my fight background. I have to say again that the type of fighting (bare knuckled) I engaged in has no relevancy to Professional Boxing. There are no rules other than no kicking, eye gouging or take downs. Two totally different worlds. 

TL FOX: When I asked you some cursory questions about your background, you said, “My point is…does not matter what my freaking experience as a fighter has been…that’s not the issue.” My question is this: Do you feel that even though you have not participated in sanctioned women’s matches, that you still could represent women boxers well in these issues? 

SHERRY: The answer to your question is yes. I base this solely upon the input I have received over the years from fighters. Its no secret that nearly 95% of the Professional fighters in the sport today are unhappy with its current state. I only touched on a few of these many issues in my survey of questions. 

TL FOX: You mentioned a $25 a month union dues. Where would that money be placed in? And how could the fighters be guaranteed all of what you have mentioned? 

SHERRY: The dues that would be paid by fighters would be pooled together under the Union. These funds would be placed in an Account just as any other business is run. To generate revenue while these funds are accruing, Awaiting use, they could be placed in a Low-Risk Fund such as interest bearing Certificates of Deposit. Fighters would be kept informed monthly as to the status of the Union Account. Such as the same way we as individuals receive Bank Statements each month. 

TL FOX: Would you hire labor lawyers to help formulate the contract language? And, who would monitor the contract to make sure that it was not violated? What kind of penalties would you have in place for violations?

SHERRY: As it pertains to the Legalities, without a doubt a Lawyer with experience in dealing with Union Contracts as well as Professional Athletes contracts. The Fighter of course would be aware of there rights under the signing of a contract and would be responsible for reporting any type of violation to the Union. At that time then the Union would step in and take the necessary action to correct the problem on behalf of the fighter. Penalties of course would be outlined in the contractual agreement. An example would be if a challenger to a Union fighter were to back out of a match for other than not being able to pass say a Medical Exam then the Union fighter would still be paid a percentage of the agreed upon purse. So basically if you are going to back out of a bout at the last minute then its going to cost you. The same would apply to Promoters that cancel shows after signing the Unions contract. Union fighters that incur expenses to say travel to another country and they arrive only to be told the show was called off would be reimbursed said expense. These are just a few examples of scenarios with the end result being…”If you call out a Union Fighter then you had better be ready to fight.”

 TL FOX: What would you do if you had the support of women boxers to join in one union, and the promoters simply used fighters that were not in a union? 

SHERRY: There enters the sheer numbers in the Union. If there are more fighters in the Union versus independent then there will come a time that for a Promoter to obtain the talent that he needs to put on a successful show then he will have to work with the Union Fighters. 

TL FOX: You said that the women boxers are in “dire need of representation”. Who do you think should do the represetation?  

SHERRY: The Union by way of setting standards would be the representing body.  

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SURVEY 

TL FOX: You ask in your survey, if the fighter is fighting regularly to ensure staying seasoned in the ring. Are you inferring that if the fighter joins a professional union for women fighters that she is going to be fighting regularly? If so, how will this union insure that? 

SHERRY: In answer to your question…..this is self explanatory in the sense that you cut out the shady negotiations, the last minute fighter cancellations, Promoters that talk but don’t deliver thus you have fighters competing on a more regular basis with many more looking at the sport knowing that they have a safe haven versus being “Thrown to The Wolves.” The Union would insure this again by contractual agreement that The Show Must Go On! Or pay the Fighter the percentage she is due for loss of wages in accordance to the agreed upon purse. 

TL FOX: You ask the fighter if they are being paid “fairly” for their fighting efforts? What is your proposal for what a fighter should be paid. For instance, a championship match, versus an undercard fight that is 4, 6, or 8 rounds? 

SHERRY: A Union fighter entering a Title fight and winning should be paid a percentage of Ticket Sales along with there fight purse. I believe this should be the case for any fighter entering a Title Fight and winning. Thus a True Championship Belt would entail a 10 round match. Four, 6, and 8 rounders would not get gate proceeds. 

TL FOX: You ask if the boxer is getting a share of ticket sales. Are you saying that if they are in this proposed union that they will get a share of ticket sales? And if so, will that be for only a championship match, or will it include the undercard? 

SHERRY: Fights organized by the Union and funded by the Union would be the recipients of the Gate proceeds and thus 4, 6 and 8 round fighters would be paid better. With the extra proceeds funneled back into the Unions different programs. Ex; hardship fund, Ins. coverage etc. 

TL FOX: Not every state in the United States has a boxing/Athletic commission. What will you do with each state that does not have a commission, or has their own set of rules for boxing that may differ from state to state?  

SHERRY: The object of the Union is not to change the technical rules as it pertains to the sport of Boxing.  

TL FOX: You said, “After membership is secured by enough fighters then regular bouts would be held to ensure becoming seasoned.” Who would be arranging these fights, and paying the costs of these regular fights?  

SHERRY: With sufficient membership within the Union, we would hold in-house bouts to put it simply. The fighters in the Union would see there membership dues in action.  

TL FOX: You said, “To ensure ranking status fights would be sanctioned.” Sanctioned by who? Are you talking about the federations or the union? 

SHERRY: Federations would do the sanctioning and there fee would be paid by the Union. 

TL FOX: Where does amateur boxer fit in this picture of what you are proposing? Could any woman join the union whether they could box or not?  

SHERRY: Amateur boxing does not last forever and fighters that decide to turn professional can enter directly into an organized body such as the Union. Any person wishing to help forward the Women’s Boxing movement is welcome to join. As long as they understand that any funds contributed to the Union would be for the use of the fighters. 

SHERRY: In closing, I would like to say to the many fighters that have responded to this survey that your name will be held confidential as well as your comments that you have sent to me regarding this venture. 

I would like to thank Sherry Wash for taking the time to answer WBAN’s questions! Comments will be posted.

Do you have any comments?  

SURVEY – 2001

Hello Professional Fighter……

by Sherry Wash 

This mail has been sent to you and I urge that you take a moment to read its contents if you can answer NO to any of the following questions.

1. Is your Promoter looking out for your best interest?

2. Are you fighting regularly to ensure staying seasoned in the ring?

3. Are you being paid fairly for your fighting efforts?

4. Are you being matched fairly with other opponents?

5. Are fight negotiations in your best interest?

6. Are you getting a share of ticket sales?

7. Are you happy with the state of Women’s Boxing?

8. Are you receiving assistance with travel fees, hotel prices?

9. Are you insured in the event of injury during a fight?

10. Do you feel the profits Promoters make from your hard work are fair?

If you answered no to any of these questions then you need to read on.

My name is Sherry Wash. I’m a retired fighter. Who has diligently followed the Women’s Boxing movement for many years. I have listened to enough stories

from current fighters involving getting bad deals through Promoters until it has made me conceive an idea that would greatly forward Women’s Boxing. I propose that the Professional Female Fighters unite. Beginning with a Central Registry compiled by fighters for fighters. Upon the start up of said Union, the following would happen.

1. Female fighters unite into one Union.

2. Fighters pay a monthly due of 25.00 to said membership.

3. Said monthly dues would be regenerative to your career.

4. Promoters as individuals would be cut out.

5. Locations for said fights would be secured with fighters dues.

6. Ticket sales would be out back into the Union.

7. Vendor sales at said fights would be put back into the Union.

8. Air Fares would be discounted by way of all fighters using the same agent.

9. Hotel prices would be discounted by steady use also.

10. Transportation to and from Venue would be provided by the Union.

11. Secure a Blanket Insurance Policy to cover fighters in the event of injury.

12. A Hardship fund would be provided by said Union for fighters having difficulty reaching matches.

13. Bouts would be evenly matched by way of experience and # of fights.

14. Inter-Union fights would be chosen by way of drawings.

15. Fighters would have a 3 strikes your out rule. Meaning: if you turn down three fights then you would be excluded from Union membership

16. Bouts would be held at a Central U. S. Location.

17. After membership is secured by enough fighters then regular bouts would be held to ensure becoming seasoned.

18. To ensure ranking status fights would be sanctioned

19. Medical Personnel would be provided by Emergency Medical Technician Volunteers.

20. Judges would be chosen by the Union, not an individual Promoter with friends!

21. Fight purses would be guaranteed and a set amount

22. Purses would grow as membership grows.

23. Fighters would become there own Promoter via the Union.

24. Future plans for a Central Based Training Facility would be addressed.

25. Said facility would hold regular Boxing Clinics to further experience.

If you believe that this Union would be in your best interest as a

Professional fighter then I urge you to

E-mail me with your comments. Once I get feedback from enough fighters interested in taking this Union forward then I will open a Website for said Union and we can get busy with the restructuring of the way this sport is treating its female fighters. After all, you are in this sport to make a living as well as to establish Women’s ability to compete with style and class. Earning your respect the hard way. I feel that many females are getting the shafted and simply deserve better treatment for the time and energy and expense that is involved in fighting.  This is your chance to make a difference. I urge you to do so. I will await your reply and will be in touch with you again after seeing what kind of response I get.

UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE YEARS:

Update as of March 22, 2005 –  WBAN has had many “talkers” in the sport that did a lot of public posturing, BUT when it came to really doing something that took time and effort—–they disappeared faster than a donut in front of a cop!  WBAN

Update as of 02/10/2013 – A lot of talk, and a lot of “walk” —nothing was ever followed through with this, and it is now 2013….