Fighters exploited & forgotten in failing system – Smith

Former British boxer Paul Smith says combat sport lacks adequate protection for fighters, leaving some hurt, exploited or without support. He is helping lead the Global Fighters’ Association (GFA), which plans a major inquiry into health, safety and governance and hopes its findings will support a stronger system of representation.

The inquiry is intended to cover participants from grassroots to professional level, with barrister Jonathan Caplan KC leading the evidence-gathering and report. The non-profit GFA aims to raise £500,000 through crowdfunding and campaigns for fair contracts, better pay, insurance, pensions, safety standards and an official route for reporting problems. Smith cited fundraisers for injured fighters, while GFA representatives also pointed to the US Muhammad Ali Act as a source of workplace protection under pressure.