COMMERCE, Calif. – Mark Habibi is aiming for FightBook, a website aimed at helping to identify fighters for upcoming boxing events, to simplify the matchmaking process for regional shows.

Habibi, best known for being the manager of the undefeated junior middleweight contender Charles Conwell, is pushing the platform for fighters who look to stay active.

The idea is simple. A fighter would go to FightBook.com. They would then create an account and specify which type of fight or fighters they are looking for. Then, the program will go to work. 

“Fightbook is a centralized platform to connect fighters seeking activity with everybody involved in making a fight,” Habibi said. “Whether you're a promoter, matchmaker, coach or booking agent, it doesn't matter. It is the central meeting point to transact and connect.”

Many matchmakers make fights based on relationships with the fighters they know, the gyms they are familiar with, and use websites like Boxrec to find opponents. A problem is that contact information is not always provided. 

That is something Fightbook is looking to change. Their platform would allow fighters who are seeking to stay active to pursue fights and have a voice in the process. 

“It's clearly a win for the fighters, because this is a platform that allows fighters to get on and promote themselves and to have a presence,” Habibi said. “They can seek activity themselves.”

Habibi explained that the promoters will put their promotions on the platform. Fighters looking for upcoming bouts can also post their details, and see if they fit the criteria for the upcoming shows.

“For the promoters, it's a clear win because promoters are spending a lot of money flying opponents in from overseas and across the country,” Habibi said. “If they can source A and B side guys from the same geographic region, they'll reduce their travel expenses significantly and they'll also increase ticket sales because there's two local guys fighting in their hometown. 

“More than likely, local fighters have their support systems that come out and join them.”

Habibi also shared his vision of where he sees Fightbook fitting in – he feels it will change the game. 

“I think FightBook is going to thrive in the four, six and eight-round fights and then some 10 rounds bouts,” Habibi said. “I think when you get to the upper echelon it isn’t needed. I think those fights are dictated by the sanctioning bodies and the rankings.”