The sad case of Antwun Echols

[Hulk]

Antwun Echols - Boxer

He is currently 32-17, outside of stopping a 0-8 fighter in the 6th round in 2010, Echols hasn't won a fight in nearly 7 years.

He's been knocked out in his last 4 straight fights.

Antwun Echols used to be a top middleweight contender and one of the most dangerous punchers around.

His fights with Bernard Hopkins and his shootout with Charles Brewer were awesome.

I wish there was something boxing fans could do for guys like Echols. Yeah yeah I know its all his own fault and he did to himself and all that sure, but a warrior like Echols deserved better than this...

[Gandalf]

That is pretty awful. It happens too often in the fight game.

The super elite really seldom have to go through any of this. But they are such a small total of all boxers.

[Hulk]

That is pretty awful. It happens too often in the fight game.

The super elite really seldom have to go through any of this. But they are such a small total of all boxers.

Very true Miles. Seems not many care either...

[Master]

Iran Barclay carrying on boxing was sadder.

[CFH]

Boxing has to be one of the cruelest sports on those athletes who don't make it to the very top. I remember reading a shocking statistic about how many NFL players end up destitute, I would imagine that boxing is even worse.

[TigerFan]

I read somewhere that he has a shit load of kids(over 10) and is fighting to pay back child support.

[killersheep]

Boxing has to be one of the cruelest sports on those athletes who don't make it to the very top. I remember reading a shocking statistic about how many NFL players end up destitute, I would imagine that boxing is even worse.

Most NFL players make way more than most boxers though, I believe when you have a lot of money and short period in your life when you can earn it, that's the problem with NFL players going broke. The average NFL player earns money (as an athlete) for 9 years (3.5 for players that don't make the first squad roster) when you consider most people live to about 82-84 that's a lot of years you are paying for with a lifestyle that tends to be overextending. With most boxers (not including the De La Hoyas, Holyfields, Mayweathers, Tysons, and Pacquiaos of the game) they don't have the means to overspend the same way on average.

Now this isn't to say that boxers aren't less responsible, they just don't have the same means to get into problems as NFL players on average.

Getting back to Hulk's original point this would be a great point for PROMOTERS or better yet MANAGERS to create a sort of trust for boxers using a portion of their take from a fight as a sort of small pension, while it wouldn't be much in most cases, in instances like Echols he could have a small income stream to keep him going for all his efforts in the ring. Boxers could also do this for themselves, but let's be honest, most don't know any better and someone should be looking out for them.

I also strongly agree that there should be a single boxing commission that can limit or eliminate a fighters ability to be sanctioned.