The American Boxing Association (ABA) is excited to launch the American Boxer’s Retirement Initiative, with the goal of helping fighters to invest in themselves.  Until now, professional boxing has been the only sport in the United States that does not have a nationwide pension plan that covers athletes after they retire.  Boxing isn't just a way of life for a professional. Boxing is life or death for them, yet many ex-fighters find life outside the ring harder to deal with than a life without the structure and routine that training provides. 

Some boxers frivolously dwindle their wealth at the peak of their careers, only to face a harsh reality when they pass their primes.  Without a nest egg to sustain their families, many are forced into a career changes.  As Floyd Mayweather Jr. told the Guardian's Donald McRae, "Boxing is real easy. Life is much harder."

The American Boxing Association is proud to announce to all American boxers that we are offering to waive the standard sanctioning fees on title fights in order to encourage them to plan for the latter years of their lives.   The Association of Boxing Commissions, and the Professional Boxers' Assistance Foundation have raised a lot of money to help one down and out fighter per year receive retirement benefits, but the American Boxing Association felt that this is a need across boxing.  “Every fighter can benefit from having the advise of a trained financial advisor,” said James Hagler, President of the American Boxing Association.  “We want to help fighters invest in themselves.”  The American Boxer’s Retirement Initiative will provide professional boxers with access to an independent financial planner, and the fighters’ fees will be reinvested in their future by covering all the setup costs associated with a 401k.

Ex-boxers like Riddick Bowe and Tony Tucker have become members of the ABA to help foster the next generation of American boxing champions.  “I want to help prevent athletes from being exploited by managers, family, friends and as well as their own weaknesses,” said Bowe. 

Evander Holyfield believes the initiative to provide financial and medical assistance to up-and-coming boxers will revolutionize the sport.  “I really want to thank James Hagler, President of the American Boxing Association for his efforts to improve the sport and protect the fighters."  Holyfield went on to say that he was inspired to become a boxing promoter so that he could do right by his fellow boxers.  Hagler and Holyfield share the same vision for American boxing. “We not only want what's best for them during their careers, but we want what's best for them beyond their careers.” said Holyfield.

This Saturday September 9, 2017, Selina "Aztec Queen" Barrios (1-0, 1 KO) makes her way back to the ring as she battles Jasmine Clarkson (4-9) at the San Antonio Event Center in Texas.  The four-round bout, set at 140 pounds, will be Barrios' second fight of 2017.  In her last bout, Barrios scored a first round knockout against the battle tested Tammy Franks, a veteran of over twenty-five fights.

"I'm ready to give my hometown fans a great show this Saturday." said Selina Barrios, "I know Clarkson has been in the ring with some good fighters, most recently Katie Taylor, who everyone is saying is the next great female fighter.  Taylor was able to stop Clarkson for the first time in her career, so my goal is to do the same, but in more spectacular fashion.  This will be my second time fighting in San Antonio and I want to make it a memorable one.  I have a lot of family and friends coming out to support me and I promise to bring an exciting fight to those in attendance."
 
Tickets priced $25 general admission (Pre-Sale) $30 (At the door), along with Ringside VIP $75, $65, $60 are on sale now by calling (210) 449-5599.  The San Antonio Event Center is located at 8111 Meadow Leaf Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227.
 
This pro-am event is brought to you by, Triple A Promotions, SOBA Recovery Center, Malibu Films, Barber Bros, and Real Gutta Music, in association with TMB Entertainment and Bud Light Presents.  Doors open at 1:00 P.M. CT with first amateur bell starting at 2:00 P.M.  Professionals first bell starts at 7:45 P.M.

Thompson Boxing Promotions will stream Danny Roman's WBA Championship win in its entirety this Friday at 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET on ThompsonBoxing.com, and on its Facebook Page.

The special edition of TB Presents: Danny Roman vs. Shun Kubo will include an exclusive, in-depth interview with host Michael Montero, in addition to commentary from Roman during the fight broadcast.

Beto Duran will call the action as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim will serve as color analyst. 

Over the weekend, Roman (23-2-1, 9 KOs) delivered a masterful performance by knocking out WBA champion Shun Kubo (12-1, 9 KOs) in the ninth round to become the newest world champion at 122-pounds.
 
Roman traveled to Kubo's home country of Japan to battle the newly minted Kubo. Roman, who lives and trains in Los Angeles, made good on his prefight promise to win by knockout.

Thompson Boxing filmed his return to LAX, with Roman saying, "Once the referee stopped the fight. You know what, I'm the new champion now. That's the greatest feeling you could have." 
 
The 12-round WBA championship fight took place at the Shimazu Arena in Kyoto, Japan. Roman is trained and managed by Eddie Gonzalez and exclusively promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions.