Should boxing be banned?

I'll start out by giving my congratulations to Katie Taylor and Paddy Barnes, I guess.

I dunno, I'm reluctant to relish victory in a 'sport' that rewards those that punch another repeatedly in the head more times than they get punched themselves. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the level of skill, athleticism and physicality necessary to excel but it's a bit barbaric. I suppose the Olympic variant is tamer but I still wince when I see someone staggering on their feet after receiving an almighty flurry of jabs. 'Protective' headgear does not prevent brain damage (Amateur boxers suffer brain damage too.) and you only need to take one look at the greatest slugger of all-time to see the devastating consequences of prolonged brain trauma.

Personally, I'd be in favour of a ban. Boxing has been banned in Norway, Iceland, Cuba, Iran and North Korea and the British, Canadian and Australian Medical Associations have all called for its prohibition.

But what do I know? I wanna hear what you guys think (though I realise tha I'm more than likely about to receive a barrage of piss-blastings and deliciously witty and derisive quips instead. Good ole AH.)

PS. And yes, I have already considered that a ban on the sport would completely neuter our Olympic prospects but it's a small to pay really, isn't it? Why don't we adopt a more placid sport like Badminton? Last time I checked, the feathers are yet to give anyone Parkinson's (I could be open to correction there, though.)