The Joint Association of Boxers (J.A.B.) is a union for the physical and financial protection of professional boxers, run by boxers and former boxers, all of whom will be elected by boxers. The first meeting of J.A.B. took place on May 12, 2003 in Las Vegas, NV. Boxers in attendance signed union cards authorizing J.A.B. to act as their collective bargaining representative.  Also at the meeting, boxers voted to seek to affiliation with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). The Teamsters will give initial financial support and organizing expertise until J.A.B. is able to fully support itself. 

J.A.B. has signed up more than 150 fighters to date, including David Tua, Derrick "Smoke" Gainer, and Joel Casamayor, Diego Corrales. J.A.B is encouraging all fighters to sign up. 

Goals

• To protect the rights of boxers and ensure full disclosure of finances under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act;
• To ensure the highest possible safety standards at all matches;
• To create health and pension benefit plans for boxers;
• To create a minimum salary scale;
• To ensure fair distribution of fight proceeds between boxers and promoters; and
• To assist boxers in their transition from boxing to other jobs upon retirement.

Reasons for Unionization

Professional boxing is the last major sport without a union. Players in the NBA, NFL, NHL, and Major League Baseball have long benefited from collective bargaining. Professional boxers, however, continue to lag behind other professional athletes. Boxers and retired boxers have no health care, pension, or other benefits essential for living.    

�2003-2005 Joint Association of Boxers
P.O. Box 2662
New York, NY 10108
Eddie Mustafa Muhammad
(202) 437-5755