Retired Boxers' Foundation

Retired Boxers' Foundation

Founded in 1998 by Alex Ramos and Executive Director Jacquie Richardson, the Retired Boxers' Foundation grew from Ramos's own experience with homelessness and addiction after leaving the ring. The organization operates from a small office in Simi Valley, California, and provides a safety net for former professional boxers who lack pensions, health insurance, or union protections. Its mandate prioritizes emergency financial assistance — rent and mortgage payments, medical and dental care, substance-abuse treatment, and dignified burials for those who die indigent. The foundation runs on a lean volunteer model, channeling donations directly to beneficiaries rather than into large-scale programmatic infrastructure. Its service reach is national, with a concentration of cases in California, Nevada, and the Northeast corridor. The board historically included high-profile supporters like director Ron Shelton, political consultant James Carville, legendary announcer Col. Bob Sheridan, former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, and the late Hugh Hefner, who hosted fundraising events at the Playboy Mansion. The organization does not manage an endowment in the traditional sense; it operates on a cash-flow basis through periodic donations and smaller recurring gifts. Revenue is opaque — no public Form 990 with a detailed breakdown of assets under management was readily available in recent filings. Ramos serves on the Board of Advisors for the International Kickboxing Federation, reflecting the extended combat-sports network the foundation draws on for referrals and support. Structurally, the foundation is distinct in its narrow focus on the destitute end of the retired-fighter spectrum — a gap left by state athletic commissions and the major boxing promotions. It is not a research or advocacy group, nor does it run a facility-based program. It is a direct-relief conduit, with Richardson holding durable power of attorney for Ramos and managing day-to-day operations since the early 2000s.