(From Left to Right: Adrian Clark, Justin Pauldo, Justin Figueroa, Brian Norman Jr. and Jolene Mizzone)
For a long time, boxing insiders have talked about the sport having a low barrier to entry.
Now, however, fight manager Adrian Clark has introduced an online course aimed to educate and develop future managers through a certification course, and it is now available through Teachable at boxing-manager-certificate.teachable.com.
Among the fighters Clark has worked with fighters is reigning WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jnr, and Clark hopes improving managers will improve the sport.
At present, would-be managers do not have to prove any type of knowledge verification standard to US state commissions and Clark hopes his certificate will fill what he sees is a void.
“For the last five years, my focal point has been to implement educational programs in the boxing business,” said Clark. “This course helps to develop boxing managers and further protects fighters from being taken advantage of contractually and/or financially. The more the manager knows, the better for all parties involved in this business.”
The online course, which takes less than an hour to complete, includes 15 videos and multiple-choice questions with each chapter, and explores topics including boxer-manager agreements, managerial percentages, promoter relationships, negotiations and much more.
Clark, who was named one of Forbes 30 under 30 in 2016, also hopes to expand on his company’s internship program, giving prospective managers first-hand experience in the field with him through Fighters First Management. He is hoping to lecture about the program and expand it through partnerships with sports management programs throughout the US.
Clark is the CEO of Fighters First Management and works alongside company president and matchmaker Jolene Mizzone.
He created BoxingManager.net, and is soon starting a podcast about boxing managers and the business of boxing.
“It was never my aim to simply be a boxing manager,” added Clark. “I’ve always wanted to transcend the position and create a demand that a sports agent has in other sports. I believe the course, the blog and podcast can turn heads towards boxing management.”
Paul Guarino completed the course and recently guided Chordale Booker into an important fight with 154-pound world champion Sebastian Fundora.
“Adrian is a stand-up professional and a relentless worker,” said Guarino. “Whenever I reach out, he provides direct and honest feedback – something I greatly respect. Despite my years of experience as a sports manager, I enrolled in the BMC course to continue refining my skill set.”
The Boxing Manager Certificate course is $300 per manager.
