Should I Work as a Doorman to Support My Boxing Career?

Many boxers wonder about part-time jobs to support their training and career, but is working as a doorman a wise choice? Here, we explore the risks and benefits, offering practical advice to help you make the best decision for your career.

Risks of Working as a Doorman in the Modern Era

In the 90s, the world of boxing might have been less regulated, but today, things are different. Boxing makes your hands legal weapons, and you could legally be held liable if you cause serious harm or death to someone. This risk is disproportionate to the potential financial gain, leading to the conclusion that accepting a doorman position for a boxing career is generally a bad idea.

Even if you only need the money part-time, the adrenaline and potential for violence in the doorman role can be intoxicating. This can lead you to make impulsive decisions, such as overreacting to a dispute with a customer or a rival. Staying focused on your boxing training is crucial.empo

Alternatives to a Doorman Job

A better approach is to find a 9-to-5 job during the weekdays. This will give you the stability to focus on your training, which is critical for your boxing career. Consider these options:

Entrance-level office jobs Customer service roles Part-time shifts that don’t conflict with your training schedule

By choosing the right job, you can ensure that your performance in the ring remains top-notch without compromising your training time.

Case Study: My Father’s Experience

Sometimes, personal stories provide valuable insights. My father, a professional fighter, worked as a bouncer after a successful fight night. The club owner, impressed by my father’s performance, offered him a job. My father put a condition on the job: he could only work as needed to balance his family responsibilities. The club owner agreed and hired him part-time.

My father met my mother while working as a bouncer, showing that there are beneficial intersections between boxing and other professions. However, the situation was unique and carefully managed.

Responsibilities and Training of a Doorman

Doormen are responsible for security and management of access to a venue or building. While some boxing skills might come in handy, the reality is that doormen typically rely on brawn and intimidation, not boxing techniques. Here are the key points:

Violence and Evidence: If you strike someone, you risk being charged with assault. The evidence from a punch, even by a doorman, can be used against you in court. It’s crucial to remain calm and professional, using negotiation and restraint when dealing with conflicts.

Professionalism: Doormen must handle various types of people with different backgrounds and situations. Developing people skills, negotiation tactics, and restraint techniques are more beneficial than any boxing skills.

Running Away or Calling the Police: Sometimes, it’s wiser to disengage and inform the authorities. This doesn’t make you a coward; it minimizes liability and ensures your safety.

Is Practicing Boxing to Help as a Doorman Advisable?

The question should be, “Should I practice boxing to help me while being a doorman?” Doormen typically don’t use boxing skills for their jobs. Instead, they often rely on physical intimidation and lack of training. However, in the UK or Ireland, this situation may differ slightly, with some doormen having more formal training in martial arts and boxing.

For most doormen, the key skills involve:

Physical Intimidation: Being big and imposing can often prevent trouble before it starts. Restraint Techniques: Knowing how to restrain an opponent without causing serious harm is more useful than striking. Communication Skills: Ability to de-escalate situations and deal with various types of people.

While there are some unique scenarios where boxing skills might be advantageous, it is generally not a good idea to rely on boxing for a doorman job. Focus on the skills that doormen actually need and pursue a career that aligns with your boxing aspirations without the risks.