We recently connected with Charles Burton Jr and have shared our conversation below.
Charles, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After spending some time assisting different boxing promoters with matchmaking, athletic connections and various other aspects of the fight business, I’d would often come across many professional boxers who were unaware of a lot of the blind spots in the sport. Witnessing first hand and hearing the horror stories of fighters falling victim to bad contracts, not knowing the process of acquiring and maintaining medical records, license management, sponsorship scouting, along with other critical components of the sport, I thought to myself, how could I help bridge the gap between promoter and prospective fighter in regards to handling the “Business Beyond the Bell”. I created a consulting firm where fighters could receive a strong foundation in beginning and/or continuing their boxing career. This would provide a smooth transition from the amateur to professional ranks as well as help current professionals revitalize and get their careers back on the right track.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a proud graduate of Alabama A&M University located in Huntsville, Alabama; this was where I was able to experience boxing up close. I always loved the sport but never knew how in depth it was beyond the gloves and boxing ring. I was able to make great connections with trainers, such as Cain Graves, Kieston Reece, Larry Bright, Jeff Teague just to name a few. After learning bits and pieces from each individual I tried my hand in becoming a trainer and ultimately would start working amateur corners. Then connecting with a gym in my hometown of Gadsden, Alabama (Crossroads Boxing Gym) which is where I met lead trainers Blake Waddell and Phillip Jones, and then client later turned promoter Brandi McCain. OneOneSix Promotions is a boxing promotion company, located in Gadsden, Alabama also, which afforded me the opportunity to meet fighters from all over the country. One great thing about the sport of boxing, you’re always ONE handshake away from life changing opportunities. I’ve been blessed to sit with/do business/meet with some of the greats, such as Deontay Wilder, Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr, Sugar Shane Mosley, and many more. Along with traveling the world for different fight events, it has become a dream that I didn’t realize I had at first. Not only do I get to link with fighters from all over, being a sponsorship scout also allows me the chance to connect with business owners from all walks/services of life. One of my proudest moments was learning how to land sponsors for professional fighters and seeing a company’s logo on a fighter’s boxing trunks on fight night. A great visual of the hard work that goes into sponsorship acquisition.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
In the sport/world of boxing, it can be a bit of a free-for-all, which creates space for a lot of bad business. Crooked managers/promoters/trainers run rampant among the ranks and there’s unfortunately always fighter(s) who are looking to change their life through the sport, which in turn makes them very trusting/vulnerable. That was a mistake I made early, due to always seeking the good in people. There are snakes in every industry and I had to come to the realization that a soft work ethic & conducting yourself in a timid/passive manner will get you chewed up in this particular line of work. Harsh, and it’s just the reality.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Social media, social media, social media! I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of my clients personally but we all know word of mouth is the best advertisement. Of course you want to present a product that presents results. I know one client in particular that purchased a sponsorship portfolio and was able to land 11 sponsors in a matter of a week for her upcoming fight. For those outside of the boxing world, sponsors play a big role in fighter careers as they help with gym/training fees, license, traveling & nutrition. This particular client made a simple Facebook post and I was shortly contacted by nearly half of her gym/stable mates, therefore turning one client into six in a month.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_jsportsmanagement/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163476&mibextid=LQQJ4d