Matchmaker, Matchmaker, What is the job of promoter
One of the most challenging tasks a promoter will face leading up to an event is the matchmaking process. This process requires hours upon hours of travel time, meetings, phone calls, and email messages. The promoter needs to round up a large pool of available fighters, and hope that there are enough suitably matched individuals to put together a fight card that is both entertaining for the crowds and challenging to the participants.
Often, even after acquiring a lengthy list of names, suitable matchups are hard to find. Mismatches in weight, height, and experience are the norm. You may have two fighters perfectly sized for one another, but their experience may differ greatly. Perhaps you have fighters with similar experience, but their weights are just a little too far apart.
Other considerations are location, location, and location. For an event to be successful, a promoter must rely on local talent to fill his fight card. Outside of the major sports that have a truly dedicated fan base, most sporting events are driven by the family and friends of the participants themselves. You may have a perfect selection of fighters from a gym that is a few hours away, but you cannot count on very much of a crowd traveling with them to support your show.
In some respects, professional fighting is an easier process because the participants are, well….. professionals! Pro fighters typically will sign a contract to fight, which penalizes them for not meeting the terms of the agreement. Amateur fighters, however, are under no real obligations. Amongst the amateur ranks, most view competition as a hobby, and it is of little consequence to them whether they participate or not.
Matchmakers must be diligent. One must remain in constant contact with the participants, ensuring that everyone is on the same page, all questions are answered, and all concerns addressed. Quite often, even the simplest misunderstanding can lead to a coach withdrawing his entire team from an event on a moments notice! It’s a difficult task keeping everyone happy, but in the end the rewards are worth all the extra effort!