Former boxers could receive part of $5.5 million pension

The California State Athletic Commission is reaching out to former boxers who are eligible for a share of a $5.5 million pension fund.

The California Boxer Pension Fund was established in 1982 to help boxers achieve financial stability in their later years. To qualify, a boxer must be at least 50 years old, have fought at least ten rounds a year for four years without more than a three-year break, and had a minimum of 75 scheduled professional rounds without a break of three years or more. Currently, the Commission collects a per-ticket fee, with the money going into the fund and divided up at the end of each year into boxers’ accounts.

“The Athletic Commission wants to pay eligible former boxers benefits they are entitled to,” said State Athletic Commission Executive Officer Andy Foster. “Any help we can get to spread the word about the California Boxer Pension Fund would be appreciated.”

Foster says locating boxers eligible for the state fund continues to be difficult, in part because of the young age at which most boxers retire. Generally, fighters do not compete past age 30, roughly 20 years before their benefits begin. In addition, many fighters reside in other states or countries, making it difficult to reach out to them.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for the California Boxer Pension Fund should contact the Athletic Commission at (916) 263-2195 or visit www.dca.ca.gov/csac for more information.