nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Should boxing be banned?

Stompbox

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.)

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

decies

Ban drink that causes more brain problems than anything !!

Richard Hillman

Its rigged from top to bottom and should be thrown out of the Olympics.

I also wish Ireland excelled in a different sport. I don't really celebrate Irelands success in boxing. It's a bit low rent for my liking.

eth0

All the activities I personally have no desire to ever take part in should be banned. I can live a happy and fulfilling life spreading gossip among my friends, doing a bit of web browsing / trolling and the odd call to Joe Duffy so why are others not content with that?

Scortho

No it shouldn't be banned. No one forces any of these boxers into the ring. It is there own choice
If the referee believes that the health of the boxer is in danger he can stop the fight.
Also it is a great way to build ones fitness and endurance as well as helping to burn calories and improve a persons health.
If you don't like boxing then don't watch it. However the sport does have its merits.

Should horse racing be banned because the jockey can be killed?

BornToKill

Richard Hillman wrote: »

Its rigged from top to bottom and should be thrown out of the Olympics.

I also wish Ireland excelled in a different sport. I don't really celebrate Irelands success in boxing. It's a bit low rent for my liking.

Ah yes, equestrian sports are where it's at. Gentlemanly, never rigged and far less of the low rent riff-raff factor. One would never see there the sort of scandals which have engulfed and destroyed amateur boxing.

eth0

BornToKill wrote: »

Ah yes, equestrian sports are where it's at. Gentlemanly, never rigged and far less of the low rent riff-raff factor. One would never see there the sort of scandals which have engulfed and destroyed amateur boxing.

Whats wrong with low rent?

Gee Bag

Boxing is a fantastic sport. I was always crap at it but the training and discipline required are phenomenal and it takes a hell of a lot of guts to get in the ring.

The Op's list of countries that have banned boxing appears to be bollocks.
Cuba, Iran and North Korea all have boxers at the Olympics.

If two lads or ladies consent to get in the ring despite the risk of injury or death then I have nothing but respect for them.

Richard Hillman

BornToKill wrote: »

Ah yes, equestrian sports are where it's at. Gentlemanly, never rigged and far less of the low rent riff-raff factor. One would never see there the sort of scandals which have engulfed and destroyed amateur boxing.

Im also against Equestrian being in the Olympics. I would congratulate Cian O'Connor's horse for its achievement though.

Gee Bag

Richard Hillman wrote: »

I would congratulate Cian O'Connor's horse for its achievement though.

Yes indeed, well done to horsey for managing to stay off the gear in 2012. One day at a time horsey, one day at a time.

admiralofthefleet

id love katie taylor to give me a licking in the ring

Helix

Stompbox wrote: »

Personally, I'd be in favour of a ban

so ban yourself from ever taking part in boxing, and let those who want to take part in it do so

problem solved

GavRedKing

Nope not at all.

paddyandy

Girls to consider becoming boxers ;is that good for boys and girls and is this money at play for new markets ? What will it mean for the problems of Violence in Society ?
A new level ? Boys and girls hitting each other in a serious way ? What is Katey doing ?

Zaph

Stompbox wrote: »

Boxing has been banned in Norway, Iceland, Cuba, Iran and North Korea

If you're going to quote Wikipedia, at least quote the full sentence which states that

Professional boxing is forbidden in Norway, Iceland, Cuba, Iran and North Korea

I'd imagine that in Cuba and North Korea it's more on idealogical grounds rather than for health reasons, but I am open to correction.

Cogito

Zaph wrote: »

If you're going to quote Wikipedia, at least quote the full sentence which states that

I'd imagine that in Cuba and North Korea it's more on idealogical grounds rather than for health reasons, but I am open to correction.

No your spot on.

And Cuba is to boxing what Brazil is soccer.

Dangerous Man

Of course it should be banned. It all should be banned.

BAN IT ALL - BAN THE WHOLE FUCKING LOT OF IT!!!!!!

stevek93

What???? NO!! OP whats wrong with you! :eek:

YraggarY

Banned?! Absolutely not! Why do people call for bans all the time?! Why can't an adult make his/her own decision on something without a government's 'yay or nay'??
The extent of government influence on our daily lives is already enough without calling for more things to be banned simply because you find it distasteful.

I'll admit that I have absolutely no interest in boxing as a sport, but if two consenting adults want to get into a ring and beat each other until one comes out the victor, who are other people to say they shouldn't be allowed to do it? They both know the risks going into it, and they both know they'll have to deal with the consequences should their opponent inflict serious damage.
Why is it okay for one person to say what others can and cannot do?
It reminds me of a quote I read once, from Jean-Jacques Rousseau: "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains." Allow people to make their own decisions to partake in something or not.
Boxing is a sport; perhaps more violent than some other sports, but a sport nonetheless. Why ban something that isn't harming anybody except the consenting individuals?

Enough with regulation already; at this rate we'll end up banning people from walking too quickly on the streets because of the potential danger that they might bump into someone causing them to fall and possibly injure themselves. So many "maybe's"!
A slightly fantastic scenario, perhaps, but it illustrates the point I'm trying to make - people need to perform a calculation of potential risk, and adjust their own behaviour accordingly. That's for each and every individual to do - not for a government to impose and legislate for.

Boxing, as with anything and everything, is the business of the people engaged in it, and nobody else's.

MaroonAndGreen

typical Ireland...

the one sport we can actually win medals in and some of us want to stop it :O

Duggy747

Like every single contact sport there is, the athletes know the physical and mental dangers that come with it hence why they train accrodingly to their respective trait.

Nobody puts a gun to their heads to join a sport, put years of work and dedication in (Because, oddly, it's not like it would be something that person would like to participate or excel in themselves) and nobody is forced to watch them.

paddyandy wrote:

Girls to consider becoming boxers ;is that good for boys and girls and is this money at play for new markets ? What will it mean for the problems of Violence in Society ?
A new level ? Boys and girls hitting each other in a serious way ? What is Katey doing ?

She's excelling in her profession and representing her country in a great light on a worldwide stage. What else should she be doing, live her life like every other Joe Soap because people don't like what she does?

Or we could just ban everything and live our lives out like plain neutral beings, devoid of any variation and ensure each of us cannot not be offended by absolutely anything.

Scruffles

in own view,if people have the mental capacity to understand and choose a sport to take part in [whether hobby or competing] then it doesnt need a ban,it is their life to use or abuse providing they can take responsibility for themselves and not sue when they have an accident.

as a RDA horse rider [dressage and jumping-only ever riding bareback and stirrupless],have never in entire life fell off a horse due to anything other than seizures.
however,am choosing to be a horse rider and if fell off and got injured woud not blame anyone or go on a sueing rampage.

people need to take more responsibility for themselves in actions that they clearly chose to do and woudnt be injured if it wasnt for them choosing to take the risk,simple as.

YouTookMyName

Whats the difference between getting punched in the head, getting a hurl hit across the head, kicked in the head or clash of heads football/gaa, stamped on in rugby.

Loada Bollox from the OP.

Boxing, Amateur Boxing, is one of the best sports in the world.

WumBuster

Boxing is a contact sport. The enjoyment people get out of two people in a ring trying to bate the heads of each other is something probably similiar to the enjoyment and excitement one gets out of watching an action movie with violence. its an addictive buzz. i like boxing, wrestling and such sports and seeing that battle of wills and people pushing themselves to the limits of their physical capabilities. it fascinating.
Of course boxing is dangerous but so are a lot of other sports.

I dont think amateur boxing is banned in the countries you mentioned, just the professional game, which is a bloodsport, but i dont agree it should be banned.

Catari Jaguar

I teach in an all boys school where most of the kids from age 4 upwards just batter each other all the time. Like little lion cubs biting and wrestling. It's natural.

We joined Michael Carruth's initiative for learning boxing as an after school club. It's fantastic for the boys in terms of self confidence, will power, empowerment, determination, mental strength, calculation, reflexes, and of course developing all sorts of athletic skills. The sense of achievment and pride when they took part in their first spars, in a real ring, and got their certs was really great. Some of these kids had never succeeded at anything.

That said, I've never seen any of them use their boxing skills in the yard or on each other. Our top 3 fighters don't even get involved in play scraps.

And, um.. I'm a female boxer. Love the sport; love to watch, love to train, love to spar. Speed and dodging, trying NOT to get hit. It's addictive and I remain uninjured (touch wood) apart from the odd bruise & sprain. If I have a son or daughter some day I'm going to encourage them to take up boxing.

Wacker The Attacker

Cogito wrote: »

No your spot on.

And Cuba is to boxing what Brazil is soccer.

Mexico has produced more world boxing champions than any other nation (both pro and amateur). Howver, they've only ever produced 2 olympic boxing champions.

By stark contrast, Cuba have produced over 30 olympic champions and lie second in the overall medals list behind the us in boxing terms. The emphasis is placed on the amateur game as outlined above

later12

Wacker The Attacker wrote: »

By stark contrast, Cuba have produced over 30 olympic champions and lie second in the overall medals list behind the us in boxing terms. The emphasis is placed on the amateur game as outlined above

Isn't boxing still one of the few amateur sports left in the Olympics though?
That's why this Amir Khan can't compete I think.

Or, I'm lost, was that your point?:o

Jhcx

Pudsy33 wrote: »

Banned in Cuba? They are some of the best boxers in the world!

Some of the best things in the world are illegal. which make them the greatest.

Where To

Amateur boxing is a fine sport.

Pro boxing is up there with WWE and is an absolute farce. Imo

Dubs

TheBegotten wrote: »

Would you prefer if they did it on the streets, unregulated, without protective equipment? I've been kickboxing since 7, my training includes some boxing. In my experience it's safer than hurling, rugby, cycling and maybe football and soccer. The point is not, as you believe, to punch seven shades of sh/te out of each other, but to score more points (shots to the head) than the other boxer. Wild throwing of punches is not encouraged, the best boxers, such as Muhammed Ali and Katie Taylor, are the ones who can take their shots, score cleanly, and pull out. Furthermore, the guard is utmost in training. I've spent many an hour with the trainer hovering over me making slight changes to the positions of my hands and elbows. It's not barbaric in any way, and I suspect the reason it's been banned in some countries is due to punters making illegal matches and bets.

Think this is part of the problem with it. Points are scored through body shots as well, which has become quite neglected in the sport. People tend to assume that the gloves are there to help soften blows to the body and head, when their actual purpose is to protect the hands.

Apparently bare-knuckle boxing produces less traumatic injuries, particularly to the head, as it's a lot more body-shot orientated because boxers don't want to break their knuckles on someone's skull. In modern boxing it's almost become more about inflicting as much damage as possible (through head shots) and less about points.

Amateur boxing is a different kettle of fish though

krudler

paddyandy wrote: »

Girls to consider becoming boxers ;is that good for boys and girls and is this money at play for new markets ? What will it mean for the problems of Violence in Society ?
A new level ? Boys and girls hitting each other in a serious way ? What is Katey doing ?

Imagine, they'll be letting women drive next. and vote!