Former Boxer Paul Smith Helps Launch Group to Protect Fighters

Former boxer Paul Smith says fighters are being hurt, exploited or forgotten in a failing system. Smith challenged three times for a super-middleweight world title before retiring in 2017. Now he is part of a team set up to represent fighters and safeguard their futures.

The team is the Global Fighters' Association (GFA), which was set up last year. The GFA aims to create a union that will look after fighters. Simon Bazalgette is the GFA chair designate.

The GFA wants fair contracts, better pay, insurance and pensions for fighters. It also wants higher health and safety standards and an official channel for reporting problems. Its goals include making the new group the umbrella organisation for all combat sport.

The GFA also plans to launch the biggest ever inquiry into health and safety in combat sport. Respected barrister Jonathan Caplan KC has been secured to lead it. The inquiry will examine the safety, governance and treatment of combat sports participants at all levels, from grassroots to professional.

The GFA is a non-profit organisation, which means it is not run to make money. It is aiming to raise £500,000 to fund the inquiry through crowdfunding, where many people give small amounts of money online. Public fundraisers in recent months have already helped fighters such as Lee Reeves pay for emergency care after serious injuries.

Earlier this month, British mixed martial arts fighter Michael 'Venom' Page urged fighters to form a union. He pointed to the Muhammad Ali Act, a 2000 US law, as something he wants copied in MMA. UFC president Dana White has been pushing to amend that law. GFA acting general secretary Paul Maloney says the proposed amendment should cause alarm among fighters.

According to BBC Sport, the GFA's work is focused on making sure fighters are treated fairly both now and in the future.