question re amateur boxing

[kiddbjj]

hey all

r their any amateur boxers on here that can tell me if they think that it is a safe sport to get involved in. is there enough evidence to support the theory that repeated blows to the head causes brain trauma over time? does this concern you? would you recommend the sport to others?

[gregimotis]

My boxing coach insists that most injuries in boxing are caused by poor conditioning, poor diet, and dehydration. He believes that head injuries such as concussion happen as a result of the fighter being dehydrated during the fight.
This coach has been training amatuers and pro boxers for a couple decades and has had a number nationally ranked amatuers. Take that for what it's worth.


USA boxing (amatuer) keeps records of weights, training time, and number of fights for all registered fighters. These records are available to coaches to help prevent wild miss-matches and dishonesty. Additionally, USA boxing has an 'under sixteen' division to protect kids.



Also, here's their official statement:

http://www.usaboxing.org/100.htm

[fozzy40]

Most research on head trauma and boxing are done on professional or amateur fighters with an EXTENSIVE fight history. I've worked with ringside physicians at the amateur level and found it to be very safe. Not only do the fighters have gloves, head gear, and mouth piece but they are also matched according to experience, size, and age. Most of the trainers I met are very protective over the children and would not put their kids an unprepared fighter into competition. Also, you almost never see a knockout in amateur boxing. The second the ref sees the fighter take a good punch he gets a standing 8-count. So the opportunity to do serious damage is offset by the referee's involvement. The other thing that I do like about amateur boxing is that the doc can stop the fight unlike in the pros.

Bottom line, I would let my son if he wanted to. Can a child become seriously injured in boxing? Yes, but I think the likely hood of this happening is FAR lower when compared to football, baseball, basketball, etc.

Hope this helps...

[twtguy]

Fozzy is right. When it comes to amateur boxing (not professional), there isnt many sports that are safer. I think the number was 71st in injuries. Go to ringside.com and get the video The Safety of Boxing. It will tell you all that you need to know.

[JFG]

Amateur boxing makes getting punched in the head as safe as possible in my opinion.

As with any contact sport, there are risks.