Two Liverpool boxers have helped launch a new union that will campaign for better pay and conditions for combat fighters.
Paul Smith, a British Champion and twice a world title challenger, and Stephen Smith, former Commonwealth Champion and also a world title challenger, have teamed up with other fighters and union activists to form The Global Fighters Union (GFU). The union has claimed that combat sports is one of the only remaining professional workplaces that has little regulation and no union representation.
It says fighters are often excluded from accessing the benefits of standard workplace requirements including insurance, pensions, and free legal and health and safety support.
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Brothers and former elite champions Paul and Stephen Smith are key members of the GFU’s founding team. Their brothers Callum and Liam are still competing in the sport.
The GFU has pledged to “unite fighters worldwide to address universal challenges in combat sports.” Formed by a group of political activists, managers, coaches and entertainment executives, anyone participating or interested in combat sports can become a member.
As members of the GFU, fighters will gain access to a wide range of services including advice on contracts, improved pay and benefits and expert help in addressing issues such as insurance, pensions and retirement planning. The union will provide free legal advice and assistance, will prioritise health and safety through partnerships with industry experts, and will offer educational programmes for continuous learning.
Last year, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), an MMA competition which Paddy Pimblet and Molly McCann compete in, lost its appeal to revoke a class action from hundreds of fighters who sued for billions of dollars in wages. The UFC has praised "a healthy and competitive MMA market which benefits athletes, promoters, and fans alike."
The GFU argues it is already fostering a vibrant community to connect fighters globally through exclusive events and seminars led by industry leaders – marking a significant step in championing the rights and well-being of fighters on a global scale. It is working with the Trades Union Congress, a body representing UK trade unions led by Bebington-born Paul Nowak, to make the GFU an official union.
Paul Smith said: “I’m one of four brothers who have all competed in boxing at every level of the sport. Throughout our careers, we’ve experienced first hand practices which are the norm in combat sports – but ones that wouldn’t be allowed in any other profession. The GFU will address those practices to make combat sports a safer, better, fairer business for all involved.”
Stephen Smith said: “The GFU will be on the side of fighters from the very start of their journey in combat sports to the day they hang up their gloves. We’ve compiled an elite team who will unite their knowledge and experience to help improve the lives of fighters everywhere.”
Paul Maloney, a former Irish amateur boxer and recently retired leader of the southern GMB Union, is the acting general secretary. On launching the union, Paul Maloney, said: “I retired from leading a region of the GMB Union in 2021, having been a trade unionist for more than 30 years.
“My working life has been dedicated to improving the working conditions of union members. On retirement, I was approached by several political leaders who wanted me to work with them as an advisor, but instead I decided to run my local boxing club in Epsom. When the GFU approached me and shared their plans, I immediately knew this is what I wanted to do. We are working with the TUC on the final stages of making the GFU an official union which will see us launch officially in the spring. Today’s announcement is to make everyone aware of what we are doing, so we can prepare for our new members”
Phil McCauley, Co-Founder of the GFU and Labour Party activist who sits on the Labour in Business Executive Committee, added: “We will be working inclusively with all forms of combat sports, all races, genders and ability levels. What we want to make very clear is that we are taking a positive approach, and are not here to create – and nor will we seek – disputes with any of the current bodies in combat sports, whether it is promoters or boards of control, doping bodies, managers, or coaches.”
Amir Khan, former two weight World Champion, said: “There is no support for fighters, particularly when they retire; they are on their own. There is nowhere fighters can take serious issues when they arise which has happened to me many times. I’m excited to be a part of the GFU and look forward to helping build its membership worldwide in the coming months and years”.
The GFU intends to be a hugely positive force and will help promoters and fighters at the toughest times, often early on in professional careers when the lack of security from having no pensions or insurance or access to the kinds of support provided by unions often sees people unable to continue their development. Their goal is to work positively with everyone who has an interest in combat sports to the benefit of all.
To find out more about the Global Fighters Union, you can visit its website here.
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