Professional boxers navigate some of the most exploitative contracts in sports — with no union, no collective bargaining, and no safety net. Fighters First Foundation exists to change that.
Professional fighters are among the most legally vulnerable athletes in American sports. Unlike the NFL, NBA, or MLB — boxing has no union, no collective bargaining agreement, and no standardized contract protections. Promoters and managers hold overwhelming structural leverage over fighters, many of whom sign multi-year exclusive deals without any legal counsel.
Fighters First Foundation was founded to close that gap. We provide free, scope-limited legal consultation to professional and amateur combat sport athletes in California and Nevada — offering contract review, regulatory guidance, and education so fighters can make informed decisions about their careers.
We operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and take no fees from fighters. Our independence is the point.
All consultations and contract reviews are provided free of charge to eligible athletes. We are funded by donations and grants — never by fighter fees.
We define the scope of every engagement clearly in writing. You always know exactly what we can and cannot do for you before we begin.
We serve fighters in California and Nevada — two of the most active fight markets in the world. Nevada matters are reviewed under general contract principles and California law.
All communications are protected by attorney-client privilege once an engagement is formalized. We have no financial ties to promoters, managers, or sanctioning bodies.
We provide practical, no-cost legal help so fighters can protect themselves in and out of the ring. Every matter is handled with the same rigor as a top-tier law firm — because your career deserves nothing less.
We review your promoter, manager, co-promotional, or step-aside agreements and deliver a written analysis identifying unfavorable terms, red flags, and suggested negotiation points — before you sign anything.
One-on-one consultations with a California-licensed attorney on issues affecting your boxing career — from understanding your rights to navigating disputes with promoters, commissions, or sanctioning bodies.
For cases of clear exploitation or urgent need, we step in to advocate directly on your behalf — through regulatory channels, dispute resolution processes, or referral to specialist counsel for complex matters.
Review of exclusive promotional agreements, co-promotional deals, manager contracts, and step-aside agreements. Identification of exploitative terms and unfair option clauses.
Nevada matters reviewed under general contract principles and California law — not Nevada-specific issues.
Guidance on California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) licensing requirements, suspensions, medical clearances, and regulatory compliance for fighters and managers.
Review of purse bid processes, deduction disputes (training expenses, sanctioning fees), and unpaid purse claims under California law and athletic commission rules.
Nevada purse matters reviewed under general contract principles and California law — not Nevada-specific issues.
Not sure if your situation fits a specific category? Submit an inquiry and we will review your matter to assess whether we can help — or point you toward the right resources if we can't.
Contractor vs. employee classification issues, ERISA considerations for gym employees, and compliance with California labor law for fighter-facing businesses.
Daniel Lim is a California-licensed attorney and former Associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP — one of the nation's preeminent corporate law firms — where he specialized in executive compensation, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate governance. He advised both private and public companies on complex employment agreements, ERISA matters, and federal and state labor law compliance.
Daniel is also a lifelong boxing enthusiast. Watching the sport he loves from both sides — as a fan and as a lawyer who understands predatory contracts — made the gap in fighter legal protection impossible to ignore.
Fighters First Foundation is built on the premise that fighters deserve the same quality of legal counsel that Fortune 500 executives receive when negotiating their compensation. Daniel founded the organization to apply his big-firm expertise directly in the corner of the sport's most underserved participants.
We designed our intake process to be simple and transparent. Every step is intentional.
Fill out our contact form with a brief description of your situation. No commitment, no attorney-client relationship at this stage.
We review your inquiry and assess how we can best assist you. We'll contact you within 3 business days.
You'll receive and sign a limited-scope engagement letter defining exactly what we will do on your behalf — in plain language.
We complete the agreed scope of work and help advance your career — whether that's a contract review, regulatory guidance, dispute resolution, or connecting you with the right resources to move forward.
Fighters First Foundation is funded entirely by donations from individuals who believe fighters deserve a fair shot outside the ring. Your contribution directly funds free legal services for professional and amateur athletes who cannot afford counsel.
Fighters First Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Serving combat sport athletes in California and Nevada.
Within 3 business days of submission
Not sure if we can help?
Submit an inquiry anyway. If your situation is outside our scope, we will do our best to refer you to appropriate resources or pro bono counsel.