Do you think there is something terribly wrong with boxing as a sport?

Question

What does it make you feel to see two human being fighting each other, and hurting each other. What is more insane the fascination the public to watch and get excited about it while the fighters are hurting each other? Or the boxers who do it? What about the display of violence of the worship of force and our acceptation of it? what does it say about our society?

Would you want your children to become a boxer? would you want to be one?

Some of the fighters die, or suffer permanent damage from it?

I think it's collective hysteria and mental insanity...

Do you think it's right and cool? and why?

Body Damage from Boxing
Cuts, bruises, broken teeth, dental problems, broken ribs, internal bleeding damage to internal organs.

Eye Injuries from Boxing
Although protected by very hard bone on the side eyes are very vulnerable to direct hits from below. Damage to the eyes in boxing can result from direct contact or from shock waves set up in fluid contents. Depending on the force of the blow damage may result in injury to the retina, retinal detachment, retinal hemorrhage, etc.

Ex-boxers more Vulnerable to Disease and Deterioration in Old Age
Ex-boxers are more vulnerable to natural aging of the brain and diseases of brain. They may be more likely to suffer diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Boxers' brains are smaller and surface grey matter is thinner. The ventricles within the brain enlarged because of the decrease in the brain's white matter.

Pro-boxing arguments point out the fact that other sports result in injury, but the major concern over boxing is the brain damage sustained cumulatively rather than in any one recorded instance.

Many people think that boxing could be made safer - by the use of head guards or shorter rounds, for example. Evidence suggests that these changes have minimal effect and in some cases might even have the reverse effect. Even the existence of medical specialists at the ring-side would not protect boxers suffering acute haematomas, for example. Boxing does not provide a unique opportunity for working class boys to "better" themselves, which is a popular, if patronising, argument. However, the BMA believes that the Government should give more consideration to the provision of leisure facilities for the young, particularly in inner cities.

Whereas much of the rest of a boxer's body is protected by bone, fat, skin and well developed muscle, the brain is encased only by the skin-covered skull and attached to its interior by fine filaments of blood vessels and nerves. (One of the most useful models to describe the structure is that of a jelly suspended in a box by threads on all sides). When a boxer sustains a direct blow to the head - which has been likened to the effect of being hit by a 12lb padded, wooden mallet travelling at 20mph - the head rotates sharply and then returns to its normal position at a much slower speed. In addition, the different densities of the different parts of the brain also move at different rates and the overall result is to create a "swirling" effect inside the brain

The resulting damage is surface damage from the brain hitting against the inner surface of the skull; tears to the nerve networks; tension between the brain tissue and blood vessels may cause lesions and bleeding; pressure waves created causing differences in blood pressure to various parts of the brain; and (rarely) large intracerebral clots (as sustained by the boxer, Michael Watson in September 1991).

The effect on a boxer includes, grogginess, weakness, paralysis, weakening of limbs, inability to focus, possible loss of consciousness, ie. the "knock-out". The long-term effects are cumulative and may not show immediately after a match. Most signs of damage are more likely to appear towards the end of a boxer's career or even after retirement. Stretched fibres may recover after many weeks but cut nerve fibres do not repair. Ex-boxers are less able to sustain natural ageing of brain or diseases of brain and may be more likely to suffer diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinsonism. Boxers' brains are smaller, surface grey matter is thinner, fluid-containing ventricles enlarged because of the decrease in white matter.

Physical expression, is necessary. I think we live in a world where it's necessary to know how to defend ourselves and be strong. I think martial arts and boxing developping these skills is something great. And there is a way to develop qualities like endurance, will, determination. (they could also use it in other fields) What i don't agree is it why two men who don't have anything againstizt each other should stand and fight each other?
And for millions of people to get excited when they knock out each other..
And it does cause long and short term damage.

Answer 1

Catalista,

Here's a simple answer. Watch UFC, K-1, or any type of MMA event.

I guarantee that you will think Boxing is "SOFT" after what you witness.

You can take the word "boxing" out of your question and replace it with other things like "bass fishing", "golf",

Answer 2

If humans had no tendency toward violence, there would be no wars. If you have no violent desires, I applaud you. But you must realize that these sports are a necessity for the great percentage of humans. Games based solely on skill often don't entertain the average person, so many people turn to violent sports for entertainment. Football, wrestling, boxing, hunting, and fighting in the octagon all provide humans with a little thrill that it's not okay to express in other forms in most societies. Their anger is vented just a little, and this keeps them relatively placid.

Besides, have you ever boxed for fun? It really is fun! There are those of us who have a desire to be physical. Our outlet may take the form of weight lifting, boxing, martial arts, or other physical things. This provides amusement, and a certain thrill at being able to do something well physically.

I don't like to watch the sports for whatever reason, but I enjoy participating in them. Boxing is fun because it's sort of fun to punch someone, and in a way it helps to improve their reflexes. I don't specifically enjoy being punched in the head, but on the other hand it teaches one things in a different way than reading a book. It's a different kind of learning and skill, derived from our past and refined to the point where the risks are lower than they could be.

Yes, I would let my child become a boxer if that's what they wanted to do. They can make up their own minds, and regardless of how smart or stupid they may be, it's easy to know what the consequences are to such things. When one is punched in the head a few times it is easy to understand what could happen in the end.

Answer 3

"What about the display of violence of the worship of force and our acceptation of it? what does it say about our society?"

Throughout our history, these types of tendencies have been necessary to survive, and whether anybody realizes it or not, they still are. Many of us are lucky and live in a nice peaceful place, but that is not the norm throughout human existence or even in a large part of the world today. I would definitely prefer living in peace, but if the need arises, I have to be mentally and physically ready to defend myself. Humans are programmed for this behavior, and that can't be changed. One way or another, humans are going to express these tendancies, and boxing is a better way than most.

Of course boxers do take risks, and they often pay dearly for them. At least they know ahead of time. On the other hand there are many positive human characteristics that are brought out in and displayed by boxers. It demonstrates their are great rewards for hard work, physical fitness, mental toughness and commitment. I have never boxed, but I know that it tests an individuals abilities as much or more than any other sport.

It shows our animal side. If you are not comfortable with that, then you are not comfortable with being human.

Answer 4

I do see where you are coming from but I can see some positives. I live in England and in some areas of England, amateur boxing is very popular. Lots of deprived kids get into boxing in a big way and it seems to give them some direction and passion in their lives which would otherwise be channeled into who knows what other stuff, getting ASBOs and knocking up their teenage girlfriend. Sometimes at my gym class, the instructor gets out the boxing gloves and the pads and I get to punch and kick him for a few minutes and I feel amazing afterwards. It's a great stress reliever as well as the perfect aerobic and strengthening exercise which with so many kids gettng fat these days is another positive. Of course, it's going to attract some ear-biting psychopaths and there is something very weird about the whole 'live from Las Vegas thing with girls walking around in bikinis holding up boards (yuck yuck yuck) but don't take boxing away from underprivileged kids who can spar at the gym with supportive people around them and have a good time.

Answer 5

I find the question an attack on boxing and that is your right. After reading some of the answers it seems that you offended a few, which is their problem. The fact you singled out boxing is a good one even though there is plenty of violence in American Football,Basketball, Hockey, Rugby etc. The rudimentary element in Boxing as well as others you did not specify is fighting, which is really the pertinent question. Correct? I think to answer the question unbiased one really needs to consider all aspects of the sport.
Is boxing legal? In most of the world, Yes. Should it be banned? I think not. Boxing has existed since ancient times and it is still a very popular and growing sport today. It exists on many different levels, ranging from amateur lightweight boxing to professional heavyweight boxing. Boxing is currently a legal sport in most countries as long as competitors perform within the rules of the game. Yes, the sport may be questioned due to the range of assaults that may be inflicted upon opponents during the course of the match. Your questions bring up policy reasons that really should be considered, if one is to make an accurate conclusion about the sport of boxing. These include once again, the violent nature of the sport and the exploitation of boxers. (Even if they are exploiting themselves) Boxing is currently a legal sport and features in the Olympic Games, although believe it or not, it is banned by Sweden, Norway and Iceland. If you were to ask people from these countries about boxing you would get a very different opinion, I am sure. Are you from one of these countries? To be the Devil's advocate, the opinion on its legality could be because it bears a resemblance to the illegal activity of street fighting or bar brawls. The fact remains that it is legal in most parts of the world and has its rules and regulations and strict penalties. (Remember Mike Tyson and his ear biting fiasco? He was banned from the sport)
Everything aside I happen to like Boxing. I can't see people ever giving it up. I grew up with the likes of Mohammad Ali. As a kid I idolized him. Still love that man and what his image represents. I don't think its a worship of force or brutality but rather accepting it as one of the primary driving forces. You may see it as an ugly sport but these Athletes train like no other to compete (yes fight) to see which one has the most endurance, strength, will power, guts. And lets not forget tragedy. Yes Boxing Rocks!
Now if you had put the question towards professional wrestling, my answer would be the opposite. That sport is complete rubbish!
Peace.

Answer 6

And people don't get excited about a violent tackle in football or a hard foul in basketball or even a hard check into the boards in hockey? Boxing is more violent, but all sports have violence, don't just single out boxing.

Answer 7

If you don't like the violent nature of boxing simply don't watch it.
there are other violent sports such various forms of martial arts yet i don't see you singling them out? they too are based around hurting the opponent.
I am a huge boxing fan and have been boxing for a few years and if i ever have children (I'm only 16) i would let them be a boxer if they like, its their choice.

Answer 8

I am a boxer, yes i would love for my kid to follow in my foot steps. If you don't like boxing you would never understand.


I'm gonna say something like i said in another topic, because i dont know any better way of putting it. Boxing is a sport, boxing is more then a sport. Its 2 men fighting for their pride. Theres nothing like it. One on one, you against him, you beat him or he beats you. Survival of the fittest. Theres nothing like looking at the other corner and seeing your oppenent looking back at you. Its not like any other sport. In other sports, it doesent matter how good you are, if your team sucks, you will suck too. You can be the best player in the NFL and be on the Lions and never get a superbowl ring. In boxing its you fighting for yourself and it teaches you independence. You rely on no one else but you in order to get the championship. I was never good at sports and never played any organized sports (still dont, im in high school). I found boxing about 9th grade. My brother and mom were pushing me to try out for the basketball team and the baseball team. But i didn't like none of those sports, then i found boxing. I loved it the minute i put the gloves on. It gives alot of kids something to look forward to and something to do. If you even knew how many kids keep out of trouble by boxing you would be amazed. Bottom line boxing is the original form of sports. Babies are born, and they already know how to hit. Fighting is natural. There is nothing "terribly wrong" with boxing.

Answer 9

No to all of your questions but I still love the art of boxing.

Answer 10

Maybe...i mean i love to watch it but it seem to give boxers brain damage thats not good.