I've always been torn about the boxing scene. On the one hand, it's undeniably exciting, my heart races as two fighters enter the ring, each punch landing with an electricity that keeps fans on their toes. But on the other hand, I find myself concerned about the real price these athletes pay, both physically and mentally. It is difficult to overlook the brutal nature of this sport, which encourages hitting the opponent with blows to the head.
According to The island a reportboxing's popularity skyrocketed in 2024, with “an extraordinary number of eyeballs, online search queries and audience numbers across viewing platforms” cementing its position as one of the most watched sports in the world. Meanwhile, Dr. Ijaz Shamim, a neurosurgeon and head of the Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Research Institute, paints a very different picture of what boxing does to the human brain. “Compared to other contact sports, boxing is known to have some of the highest concussion rates“Doctor,” Shamim said The island. “A concussion occurs when the brain moves back and forth hitting the inside of the skull. This causes brain damage and occurs every time a boxer sustains a blow to the head. Every concussive event is similar to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). With every TBI, there is irreversible brain damage.“
He adds that “It is believed that in boxing, an individual sustains a concussion every 12.5 minutes of fighting time alone. Protective headgear does not help much with concussions. Internal trauma to the brain occurs every time a boxer is punched in the head, with or without external protection of the head“Hearing that makes me anxious, especially when I remember cheering during the fight when the opponent was reeling from a direct hit.
The harsh statistics back him up. “According to the Manuel Velasquez Collection, which documents deaths in boxing, an average of 13 boxers are killed in the ring each year.Notes The island. Separately, the Ringside Physicians Association found there were at least 339 deaths in the sport from 1950 to 2007, with a “higher proportion in lower weight classes.” It's astonishing to think that these fighters, many of whom chase dreams of fame or financial stability, could risk their lives every time they step between the ropes.
However, boxing has its defenders. said sports journalist Philip O'Connor The island“,”People may come to boxing to vent their anger and frustration, but they soon realize that these things have little place in the gym or the ring.“. He further explained: “After spending a lifetime watching boxing and various martial arts and practicing more than my fair share, I can say that in my view, the mental and physical benefits far outweigh the risks, but we must always strive to improve safety and eliminate or reduce risks. To the greatest extent possible“This balance – between the discipline and community boxing can provide and the real harm boxers are exposed to – is what keeps the debate alive.
Despite everything, it is difficult to deny the popularity of this sport. “In terms of global media popularity, in 2024 boxing is the fifth most popular sport in the world and the most popular combat sport.Camilla Swart-Aries, associate professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, said: The island. She pointed out that “It has attracted legendary figures who have also transcended their sport to become global cultural icons“In fact, icons like Mike Tyson continue to attract audiences even in the later stages of their careers, as if the spotlight had drawn them in – and the fans follow suit.
Every time I watch a boxing match now, I can't help but feel intense pain. While I applaud the courage and skill of the fighters, I also wonder about the headaches the next day, the cumulative hits, and the potential for permanent damage. Boxing's unique blend of artistry and aggression has kept boxing alive for centuries, and it is unlikely to disappear any time soon. But as medical insights become clearer and the number of infections rises, the future of the sport may depend on whether we, as fans and governing bodies, decide that more stringent safety measures – and perhaps deeper cultural thinking – are worth exploring. For the health of the fighters, I certainly hope we do that.
