EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: BRITTANY ROGERS (PRESIDENT OF BAM PROMOTIONS)
By Stephen "Breadman" Edward

Youngest Female Promoter in US

Why boxing Brittany? What made a woman so young get into promoting boxing?: It was actually a bonding experience between my dad and I. We went to an amateur show together. I loved it. I actually started training at Front St. Gym in Philly and I wanted to fight. But my dad told me that the ring was no place for a woman. I then started interning at the Blue Horizon and for Pelz Boxing and everything took off from there.

 

Where does the acronym BAM come from in BAM Promotions?: Brittany Ann Michelle.

 

Dam you have long name: (Brittany laughs)

 

So you actually work for Pelz Promotions while simultaneously running your own company: Yes I do a lot of social media for Russell, office work, some of the matchmaking, everything I can. I'm still learning.

 

People have said that you are the youngest female promoter in the world is that true?: Actually I'm the youngest in the US. There is another girl who is a year younger than me in Europe. I'm 23 I think she's 22 or 21.

 

I have personally have talked boxing with you so  know you know your stuff. But how do you convince people from the outside looking in that your not some sort of gimmick and you actually know what you're looking at?: Well Anthony Boyle and Russell Peltz sort of give me credibility because they are really well respected in the area. Off the bat some people may think I'm a Snookie type or something but if they ask me about an old fighter or even one of the younger guys they will know I know what I'm talking about.

 

Speaking of younger guys, in Philly we have some young stand out talent. Have you had a chance to work with any of them and who stands out to you?: My favorite is Julian Williams. I also like Ray Robinson who is actually the first fighter I ever signed. I also like Gabe Rosado, Ronald Cruz, Jerome Rodriguez and Hasan Young.

 

So Ray Robinson is the only fighter as of now that you have under contract:? Yes and I'm very proud of him. Ray had a tough time coming up, but it made him better. He's not scared to fight anybody and he's a well rounded fighter.

 

Speaking of Robinson, I used him as an example of how black fighters have it tougher coming up. I actually used you as an example also. Can you tell me why black fighters have it tougher coming up?: Black fighters do have a tougher time coming up. I think from a promoter's aspect it's easier to protect white and hispanic fighters because they have a more loyal fan base. Ray is the perfect example. Ray had to fight Brad Soloman and Shawn Porter back to back coming up. He lost both fights. From an investment perspective, it's more difficult to invest in a fighter with a smaller fan base.

 

My fighter actually fought on one of your cards, with Robinson as the headliner. From my understanding Robinson and Julian were the biggest ticket sellers: Yes they were. I was pleasantly surprised.

 

Now let me ask. In this day of the Rights Fee checks being cut form the networks, wouldn't it be an incentive to match the black fighter better because usually they are the most talented and if they can get to the top level, you will get that big HBO check for them. Guys like Tim Bradley and Chad Dawson are good examples.: You have apoint and that is a diiferent way to look at it. But alot of times a promoter would want their return earlier instead of later. I actually think it's a shame that black fighters get treated that way, but it's reality. Look at Raymond Serrano, Ray old stablemate. He steps up and gets beat real bad because he was thrwon so many soft touches. I also think you have to make a fair attempt to promote any fighter at home to build him up. If you don't do that, you won't get a fair assessment if a fighter can sell or not.

 

Good point. Well great talking to you. Let the fans know what you guys have coming up: June 1st we have Gabe Rosado vs Sechew Powell and Ronald Cruz vs Prenice Brewer on NBC. Then July 7th we have a card in AC, that will be headlined by Patrick Majewski.

 

 

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