SAL Jobe doesn’t do slow days. Whether it’s managing fighters, building commercial relationships, or navigating the worlds of traditional and influencer boxing, Jobe is in the thick of it.
He’s worn a lot of hats, including as a footballer with Luton Town, but these days his focus is firmly on the fight business, though even away from the sport, he struggles to step off the treadmill.
“My parents always tell me to try it,” he tells Boxing News. “I’m always trying to focus on something. When you have your own goals and ambitions and targets that you set for yourself, it’s hard to just sit back and not do anything.”
Jobe’s short-term goals reflect a desire not just to win, but to contribute.
“It’s one thing to make money from the sport, but to actually contribute in terms of the sport’s development, it’s actually a goal… to give back to it as well is quite important.”
Jobe’s roster includes a handful of promising names: heavyweight Jonathan Guidry, super-lightweight J’Hon Ingram, hard-hitting lightweight James Earle, former Team GB standout Ramtin Musah, and Dylan Price.
“The reason the roster is not the most extensive is we want to allocate sufficient time to each individual. Slowly but surely.”
He’s honest about the challenges that come with the role.
“We’ve had some big names, but there’s always politics.”
Jobe’s involvement with Misfits Pro may raise a few eyebrows, especially given his traditional boxing background – and his familial connection to influential boxing figure Ambrose Mendy. But his reasons for getting involved were strategic.
“I was more traditional myself in terms of boxing. I was one of those people that turned my nose up at Misfits. But then from a marketing perspective, I thought to myself, it’s quite smart what they’re doing… they’re using that momentum and traction to help build some pros and to have some credibility.”
He believes that while winning over the traditional fanbase may not be Misfits’ current priority, respect will come in time.
“With each professional fighter that they add to the stable, they will eventually get the respect… But at this present moment, I think they have their own agenda.”
When it comes to talent scouting, Jobe’s instincts remain grounded in boxing fundamentals.
“I always look at amateur tournaments, amateur standouts… Maybe even a Haringey Box Cup, a GB Tournament… they’re more likely to excel.”
But now, thanks to his growing reputation, fighters often come to him.
“With each signing, more people come to you. It’s getting much easier now.”
As for influencers, Jobe has yet to step into that particular side of the business.
“I haven’t actually worked with anyone on the influencer side yet… But if I was to do that, I think I’d just look at, again, credibility.”
Jobe believes that professional boxing can learn a lot from how influencer promotions engage their audience.
“So, yeah, in terms of marketing… less ego and more trying to please the fans and stir up.”
And he believes fighters have a role to play in that process.
“It’s a sport, but it’s an entertainment sport, first and foremost… they do have a duty to sell themselves.”
Jobe doesn’t rule out a move into promotion in the future – in fact, he sees it as a logical step.
“To be honest with you, potentially, yeah, because I feel like it’s easier than management… I could get a ridiculous roster.”
In a changing landscape, Jobe says a manager’s value increasingly lies in going beyond the contract.
“If you’re someone like me that likes to keep busy, then you really try your best to keep bits and bobs outside… get deals, build them up, do the press, get additional training.”
It’s about staying active – not just collecting a percentage.
“We’re in the sport to benefit the fighters, not just to take a paycheck. And the fans, so, yeah.”
Jobe’s passion for the sweet science now outweighs his footballing past. As for fighters he admires, he names the obvious legends – Ali and Mayweather – but also praises Oleksandr Usyk’s rise.
“He’s quite magnificent… boxing alone is enough to entertain us, but holistically, he’s got everything.”
Jobe predicted Usyk to beat Derek Chisora back in the day, but even he was surprised by how far the Ukrainian would go.
“When I saw him fight Chisora, I thought he’s going to struggle against AJ and the others. But again, it surprised me. He’s done phenomenal things.”
As Daniel Dubois prepares for a second shot at Usyk, Jobe’s heart and head are torn.
“I’d like to think that he will take control of this fight… I hope so, but I can’t see it.”
