Journeymen in Boxing: Unsung Heroes or Cannon Fodder?

By Billie Sloane

Let’s talk about the fighters who rarely make headlines—the ones who step through the ropes knowing they’re likely leaving with another “L” on their record. Journeymen (and journeywomen) are the backbone of the sport, the ones brought in to test young prospects, provide experience, and keep the wheels turning. They’re the fighters with more losses than wins but more heart than most. The question is—are we celebrating their role, or are they being exploited to prop up boxing’s next star?

There’s no easy answer. Are journeymen playing a necessary role, allowing prospects to develop their skills, or are they being taken advantage of? And let’s be honest—do fans even care about these fights, knowing the outcome is already a foregone conclusion? 

Are journeymen a necessary part of the boxing ecosystem, or is the sport using and abusing them? On one side, journeymen help prospects develop their craft. On the other, they risk their health and futures for a quick payday. Is the boxing world respecting these fighters, or just exploiting their struggle?

The Good: Earning a Living and Feeding Families

For many fighters on the journeyman circuit, boxing isn’t about chasing world titles—it’s about survival. They step into the ring not for glory, but for the paycheck, fighting to provide for their families and make a career from the only skill they know. Many of these fighters come from disadvantaged backgrounds or underprivileged countries, where opportunities are limited, and boxing offers a lifeline—a chance to earn, travel, and fight their way to a better life.

But the question remains—are these fighters being treated fairly for the risks they take? Many accept fights on short notice, knowing they’ll be up against younger, stronger prospects, often with the odds stacked heavily against them. Yet, they show up, night after night, knowing that every fight is another chance to keep food on the table and roofs over their families’ heads.

Despite what the record might suggest, these fighters offer more than just resistance—they provide invaluable lessons. They teach prospects how to handle pressure, adapt in the moment, and go the distance when things don’t go to plan. Journeymen help young fighters grow, sharpen their skills, and build confidence—qualities that are hard to develop in a controlled gym environment. They are often the bridge between a promising amateur career and the professional ranks, ensuring fighters aren’t thrown to the wolves too soon.

This is a job that many take pride in. It’s not about winning every fight; it’s about showing up, fighting hard, and making the most of the opportunities available. For these fighters, the ring is a livelihood—a way to put food on the table, support their loved ones, take control of their own destiny and/or work in an industry they love. As promoter Ben Shalom explained in an IFL TV interview, “You need fighters like this to build future stars. They play a bigger role in the sport than people realize.”

Without journeymen, the sport would struggle to develop prospects properly. Young fighters would be forced to take on elite-level opponents too early in their careers, risking burnout or disillusionment before they even get started. These experienced, battle-tested fighters play a vital role in boxing’s ecosystem, even if their names rarely make it onto the marquee.

But here’s the catch—with boxing being such a brutal business, is the trade-off worth it? Are these fighters being properly compensated for the risks they take and the lessons they provide? And are we, as fans, recognizing their contributions to the sport, or simply looking past them in search of the next rising star?

These fighters may never become household names, but without them, boxing’s future stars wouldn’t get their shot. And that makes them every bit as essential to the sport as the champions at the top.

The Ugly: Are Journeymen Being Exploited?

But let’s flip the coin. Is this system fair to journeymen? Many of them are thrown into fights on short notice, barely given time to train or recover between bouts. Their job isn’t to win—it’s to show up, survive a few rounds, and give the prospect across from them a run out and a confidence boost. They know their role, and so do the promoters.

Boxing is brutal, and not every journeyman steps into the ring by choice. For some, boxing is a last resort, a way to escape poverty or hardship. Are these fighters being given a fair shake, or are they being exploited by a system designed to churn out new stars at any cost?

As Frank Warren admitted, “It’s about timing. You can’t throw young fighters into dangerous fights too soon. You have to build them the right way.” But how much of that “building” comes at the expense of journeymen who absorb punches week after week, just to keep the show rolling?

Take Peter Buckley, a boxing legend in his own right, with 257 losses on his record. He knew his role—to give young fighters experience without ever threatening to derail their careers. But even Buckley has spoken about the harsh realities of being a journeyman. “You’re only ever as good as the kid you’re in with,” he said. “Most of the time, you know they’re going to win—but that’s just the game.”

It’s a game, sure—but is it a fair one? Journeymen take punches for a living, but how many are taking risks they can’t afford, both physically and financially?

Can Fans Really Get Excited About These Fights?

Here’s the cold truth—fans don’t get excited about mismatches. When a 10-0 prospect faces a journeyman with 50 losses, the result is predictable. These fights lack the drama, the tension, and the risk that makes boxing magical. The fans know the script, and they’re rarely surprised by the outcome. It’s hard to build excitement when you know the guy in the other corner is there to survive, not to win.

But here’s the counterpoint—every fighter needs experience. Even legends like Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard didn’t step into the ring with world champions right away. They learned their craft against fighters who were there to test them without breaking them. Journeymen play that role—they let prospects make mistakes, develop their skills, and build their confidence without putting their careers in jeopardy.

The real question is—how long do we let it go on? How many fights against journeymen does it take before a prospect is ready for real competition? At what point does learning become protecting? And how many fans will stick around if the sport continues to feed them mismatches disguised as meaningful fights?

So, Are Journeymen Good or Bad for Boxing?

The truth is, journeymen are both essential and problematic. They’re vital to the sport’s ecosystem, offering young fighters the experience they need while earning a modest living. Without journeymen, the sport would collapse. But boxing also has a responsibility to do better by them. Fighters like Bec Connolly, Kristian Laight, and Peter Buckley deserve more than just a paycheck—they deserve respect, recognition, and protection.

At the same time, fans have a right to demand better. Boxing can’t survive on mismatches alone. The sport thrives on drama, risk, and uncertainty—things that are sorely lacking when a young prospect fights a veteran journeyman with no real chance of winning.

So here’s the dilemma: Do we accept journeymen as a necessary part of the game, or do we push for a system that offers more competitive fights from the start? Can boxing find a way to balance development with meaningful competition, or are we destined to keep watching prospects pad their records against fighters who are just there to survive?

The Journeyman and Journeywoman Heroes: Warriors Without Capes

Not all heroes wear belts. In the shadows of boxing’s brightest stars, there are fighters who never get the headlines but are every bit as important to the sport. They’re the journeymen and journeywomen—the unsung warriors who step into the ring without fanfare but with a heart full of courage. Their names may never appear on world title posters, but within boxing circles, they’re spoken of with respect, and rightly so. These fighters are the sport’s true road warriors, and their stories deserve to be told.

Kristian Laight: The Man Who Never Quit

Kristian Laight isn’t just a journeyman—he’s a legend in his own right. With over 300 losses, Laight’s career might look uninspiring on paper, but there’s more to the story than numbers. Known as “Mr. Reliable,” Laight built a reputation for being the go-to opponent for prospects across the UK. If you needed someone to give a young fighter rounds, Laight was your man.

But here’s the remarkable thing—he fought 300 times, and not once was he stopped. That’s a testament to his skill, toughness, and ring smarts. Laight didn’t just survive in the ring—he thrived in his way, offering prospects a lesson in resilience every time the bell rang. Fighters left their bouts with him sharper and smarter than they were before—a gift not every trainer can provide.

Bec Connolly: A Journeywoman Defying the Odds

Bec Connolly’s story is one of grit, resilience, and sheer determination. A mother from a working-class background, Connolly stepped into the sport not because she had to, but because she wanted to. Her love for boxing runs deep, and despite her record, she remains a fierce competitor.

Connolly fights because she loves the sport, but also because it allows her to provide for her family. Her record may not scream "champion," but in every fight, she shows up ready to test the next big thing. She teaches young fighters what it means to fight under pressure—something that can’t be taught in sparring. In doing so, she’s carved out her place as a respected figure in the industry, proving that a warrior’s heart isn’t measured by wins alone.

Peter Buckley: A True Road Warrior

If ever there was a fighter who embodied the spirit of a journeyman, it’s Peter Buckley. Over a career spanning 300 fights, Buckley fought anyone, anywhere, anytime. His role was clear—to give prospects the kind of challenge they needed to build their careers. He wasn’t there to win; he was there to teach.

Buckley once said, “You’re only as good as the opponent you’re in with.” And he meant it. While his record may show more losses than wins, his legacy is one of endurance and service to the sport. Fighters who faced him learned valuable lessons—how to stay composed under pressure, how to adapt in the ring, and how to manage rounds. Without Peter Buckley, many of today’s stars wouldn’t be where they are now.

Robin Deakin: Fighting for More Than Just Glory

Robin Deakin, often referred to as Britain’s “worst boxer,” amassed a record of 53 consecutive losses before finally notching a win. But Deakin’s story isn’t about numbers—it’s about mental toughness, persistence, and never giving up, no matter what life throws at you.

Deakin fought not for fame or fortune but to prove a point—to himself and to the world. Every fight was a victory of willpower, and while the media may have laughed at his record, those inside the sport knew the truth—Robin Deakin was a fighter in every sense of the word. His courage inspired countless others, proving that it’s not always about how many times you win, but how many times you get back up.

The Legacy of Journeymen and Journeywomen

What ties these fighters together is not just the number of fights they’ve taken but the integrity and toughness with which they approached each one. They knew their role in the sport and embraced it with pride. Without fighters like Laight, Connolly, Buckley, and Deakin, boxing would lack the backbone it needs to function.

These fighters are the unsung heroes who fill the gaps between the big fights. They step in when the stars need rounds, offering not just resistance but wisdom, experience, and heart. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed, but their impact is felt throughout the sport.

They are the silent guardians of boxing, the gatekeepers who test prospects and sharpen their skills, ensuring that only the best make it to the top. And while they may not leave the ring with titles or glory, they leave with something just as valuable—the respect of those who truly understand the game.

Are We Doing Enough for the Journeymen?

The question remains—are we giving these fighters the respect they deserve? For every journeyman who gets through a career relatively unscathed, there are others who leave the sport with broken bodies, empty pockets, and no support system. Are we comfortable with a system that relies on these fighters but offers them little in return?

Promoters and fans alike must acknowledge the debt the sport owes to these fighters. They may not headline pay-per-views, but without them, there would be no pay-per-view stars.

The sport of boxing must do better by its journeymen and journeywomen. They deserve more than to be used and discarded. Whether through better pay, medical support, or simply more recognition, the industry needs to honor these fighters for the role they play.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just the champions who build boxing—it’s the journeymen who make those champions possible.

The Final Bell: Heroes in Their Own Right

The next time you watch a prospect fight a journeyman, remember this—the fighter in the other corner isn’t just there to lose. They’re there to teach, to challenge, and to provide a service that the sport depends on. And for that, they deserve every bit of respect boxing can give them. They may not wear belts or carry titles, but they are champions in their own way.

So here’s the question—are we ready to give these fighters the recognition they deserve? Or will we continue to overlook the warriors who keep the sport alive from the shadows? Because without them, there would be no future stars, no rising prospects, and no champions to cheer for.

And that, my friends, is something worth thinking about.