Ban Boxing?

[Harrys Boy]

Ok this has nothing to do with this site but i dont know where else to post it, you see i just got back from Las Vegas recently and there was a big fight card on at my hotel, the best fight on the night was the IBF world lightweight title, the strap changed hands on the night with Jesus Chavez stopping Leavander Johnson in the 11th round. It was a brutal end to a brutal fight, Johnson needed a knockout but he was in no condition to even throw a punch in the 11th and ended up taking 19 unanswered punches before the ref stepped in. As you may have heard Johnson collapsed after the fight and needed brain surgery but eventually fell into a coma and sadly died late last night at the age of 35. Its really upset me and even though im a big fight fan i think something has 2 change. Like i said, nothing to do with the wonderful world of Trannsexuals i just wanted to get it off my chest.

[JohnnyWalkerBlackLabel]

both fighters chose to step into the ring, therefore he knew what the risks were

[chefmike]

both fighters chose to step into the ring, therefore he knew what the risks wereagreed...just look at the statistics on HIGH SCHOOL sports...including cheerleading...crippling injuries...the boxing arguement has been going on forever...but a lot of guys...feel pro sports is their only ticket...like everything else...you roll the dice and take your chances...one thing you CAN be sure of...is death and taxes...unless you're in the top 5%...you can skip the taxes part...

[Eric420]

lol... if you ever saw how much damage even a few boxing matches does permanantly to your brain you would have to wonder how insane these dudes are to box... lol... heading a soccerball does a shit ton of damage too... my dad works with neurologists.

[The Duggler]

RIP while I do feel sorry for him you have to understand that he knew the risks involved with fighting.

[NickTheQuick]

...

[TomSelis]

Johnson's corner could have also threw in the towel. It's one of the few sports left where "The best man will win." Even an outmatched man has a shot in the ring. All it takes is a lucky punch.
Guys still get badly injured in American football, with equipment on! How many NFL players get a concussion each year?

Contact sports are risky, but that's why we love them.

[joyboy123]

Bad idea to ban it, boxing would just go underground and the situation would be even worse. At least now there is some sort of safety and regulation guidelines.

I agree that its exploitative, brutal and ugly but people love watching it. People that love watching it would include me of course.

I have the same opinion about the sex/porn industry (which I also like and spend money on).

[Harrys Boy]

I did'nt realise until after that Johnsons father was in his corner, how he could have sent him out for the 11th i'l never know and i dont suppose he will either

[brickcitybrother]

ossumpei:

You beat me to the punch. Ummm, perhaps a bad pun. But I second your opinion fully.

[rick_932]

i really dont care if two fools choose to step in a ring and beat the livin shit out of each other. last time i watched boxing was back when tyson was in his prime. now, boxing isnt entertaining IMO

[hondarobot]

I personally love boxing. I don't go out of my way to see it, but a good fight is interesting to watch.

As long as both guys are in command of their faculties, skilled in fighting, and able to make a rational decision to get in the ring, I say so be it. I even use to like that Ultimate Fighting shit (which I'm sure is still going on). On the other hand, I think the "Bum Fight" stuff is pretty sad.

"Beat the hell out of each other, we'll buy ya both cheeseburgers." Exploit two drunk, desperate guys for chump change. That's pathetic. I put that on nearly the same level as Dog Fighting and other stupid crap.

[WannaPly]

The rules need to change and the managers and promoters need to really look at the boxing commission and have the change the rules...A boxer just wants to box and he doesn't think of his own well being...money first

[LG]

I don't like boxing but I don't think it should be banned. I'll agree with joyboy that banning it will drive it underground and also think that if two guys are willing to have their brains beaten to a pulp, then they should go ahead and do it. It may be a cause of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (unproven) and certainly can't do your brain any good, but boxers, especially nowadays, go into the sport knowing full well what the cons are, because the money can be very good. As ossumpei pointed out, being hurt is an occupational risk, just as it is for racing car drivers and other sportsmen. It also helps to get young kids off the streets and into the gym.

Fighting displays and spectator sports have been a part of human culture since history began. Proper equipment can reduce head injuries. Banning boxing altogether will cause more harm than good.

Boxing describes more about the human condition than we care to admit. Boxing movies like Raging Bull, Million Dollar Baby, Somebody Up There Likes Me and The Champion strike a chord not only because they're good movies but because they tell us something about our own personal fight in life.