On the ropes: A Times investigation of how California has failed retired boxers
California created a pension plan for professional boxers 40 years ago, promising fighters who provided the public flash and drama during their careers that they would not be forgotten when they faced the challenges of aging, battered bodies.
But a Times investigation revealed that the pension program failed in its primary mission to locate and inform boxers of their benefits, maintained inadequate records and had not set aside enough money to pay the pensions it owed.
Read The Times’ investigation and subsequent coverage below:
- 1
Boxers contacted by The Times said they were unaware that California has a 40-year-old pension program or that they are its beneficiaries.
- 2
California owes benefits to about 200 boxers through the California Professional Boxers’ Pension Fund. How to claim a California boxers’ pension.
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Hector Lizarraga qualified for the California Professional Boxers’ Pension Plan.
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The California State Athletic Commission struggled for years to contact boxers who were eligible for pension money. We found some in minutes.
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The California State Athletic Commission, which administers a 40-year-old pension plan for boxers, said it will step up efforts to find fighters with unclaimed money.
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At least a quarter of the 200 boxers currently owed pensions in California had a last known address in Mexico. Now, California is partnering with Mexico to find them.
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California paid more boxers owed pensions in 2023, sending checks totaling more than half a million dollars to three dozen retired fighters following a Times investigation.
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A state agency in charge of the little-known retirement plan for professional fighters voted Monday to pay one who was repeatedly told he didn’t qualify.
