Boxing?

[walpurgis]

I see there are again calls for boxing to be banned, following the sad and unfortunate death of boxer Mike Towell yesterday, following two knockdowns in a bout.

Why does this arise after one of the very infrequent deaths that occur in the sport? Boxing is closely regulated for safety. More fatalities occur on football pitches, yet nobody wants football banned.

Do we ban rock climbing, sky diving, rugby, American football, bike and motor racing and so on? Each has a higher mortality than boxing.

One has to accept that all sport has the potential to be dangerous.

[prestonchipfryer]

Sad news. However all responsible adults should be able to participate in any sport they wish too. Professional boxing is strictly regulated and should be allowed to continue. If any ban were introduced then it could lead to ''underground'' boxing activity and that would not be wanted.

[walpurgis]

If any ban were introduced then it could lead to ''underground'' boxing activity and that would not be wanted.

True, but illegal 'fight clubs' exist.

[prestonchipfryer]

True, but illegal 'fight clubs' exist.

Yes, of course there are illegal fight clubs. I'm not a fan of boxing but respect it as a confidence-building activity. As you have already pointed out there will be calls for a boxing ban in light of this tragedy, which would be unworkable IMO.

[struth]

Think its well enough regulated in this country, especially at ameteur level. Its a sport where they dont like crying off which he should have done. He was suffering from headaches

[Macca]

What happened to Fight Night? Maybe I keep missing it but I can't remember seeing it for years. Used to be on late on ITV.

[skimminstones]

people have died playing football. Its an unfortunate occurrence but not one that should see the sport banned.