Are head injuries in boxing acceptable? Time for action?

[Abdullah719]

Boxer Adonis Stevenson has suffered a "severe traumatic brain injury" after his knockout by Ukrainian Oleksandr Gvozdyk in Quebec City on Saturday.

Stevenson, 41, boxing's oldest and longest-reigning champion, has had surgery and remains in intensive care, a statement from the hospital said.

Stevenson's promoter Yvon Michel said on Sunday the boxer's condition had "gone from critical to stable".

The hospital said it is too early to comment on his long-term health.

"Mr Stevenson underwent surgery on the night of Saturday to Sunday and has since been hospitalised in the intensive care unit," said Dr Alexis Turgeon, a specialist in intensive care medicine at the Enfant-Jesus Hospital of the CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval.

"He suffers from severe traumatic brain injury. Although critical, his situation remains stable under the circumstances.

"His condition requires mechanical respiratory support, deep sedation and specialized neurological monitoring."

Stevenson suffered an 11th-round knockout on Saturday during the light-heavyweight bout, slumping after a flurry of punches from Gvozdyk.

Unbeaten Gvozdyk, 31, told a news conference on Saturday night: "I talked to the people at the hospital. He was very confused when he arrived, we suspect a concussion. It's very disturbing."

Earlier on Sunday, Michel tweeted his thanks on behalf of Stevenson's wife and family: "Thank you for your many messages of encouragement and support. #Superman is currently under careful medical supervision of very competent doctors in a controlled environment. #hope."

The World Boxing Council tweeted after the fight on Saturday: "The WBC and boxing community from the world join in prayers for the safe recovery of our dear friend, great fighter and exemplary human being @AdonisSuperman."

Stevenson was making his 10th WBC title defence since winning the belt in 2013 by defeating American Chad Dawson and had successfully defended the title against Britain's Tony Bellew.

Gvozdyk, who won an Olympic bronze medal for Ukraine at the London 2012 Games, claimed the belt in his first shot at a major title.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/46460528

 

[KingKhanWC]

Best wishes for Stevenson, he wasn't my fav boxer but this is tragic.

 

[MenInG]

Just traumatic to read about these things. Boxing is an evil sport.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Just traumatic to read about these things. Boxing is an evil sport.

I think this is a bit harsh MIG. Sure combat sports are more dangerous than others but the aim is not to kill anyone in boxing but a test of various skills.

 

[MenInG]

I think this is a bit harsh MIG. Sure combat sports are more dangerous than others but the aim is not to kill anyone in boxing but a test of various skills.

Sorry wasnt looking to 'click bait' but I feel that a sport where the intention is to hurt someone cannot be all that good, and then incidents like this are a natural progression

 

[KingKhanWC]

Sorry wasnt looking to 'click bait' but I feel that a sport where the intention is to hurt someone cannot be all that good, and then incidents like this are a natural progression

Fair point. Sure boxers do want to hurt others as this will help them win the fight and boxers are awarded points for power punches but it's highly regulated. Stevenson is 41, he has boxed for too long and should have retired a while ago. Like Mohammed Ali who went on for longer than should have, this increases the risk of serious injury in the fight and later on in life.

Interesently running, swimming and cycling are more dangerous sports.

 

[ikky47]

Hope he recovers quickly and it is not serious, however Stevenson has had a colourful past. He was in prison for a notorious reason and it is hard to feel sorry for him at all.

 

[troodon]

Boxing is a disgusting sport. A sport where the sole idea is to knock out the other guy and both the contestants are bruised and bleeding. Crowd cheers to this kind of ** masquerading as a sport.

UFC is another pathetic sport. Not sure why they are not banned yet.

 

[shaz619]

Just traumatic to read about these things. Boxing is an evil sport.

First of all I wish Stevenson well and hope he recovers, but as one of the posters has already mentioned; it's not easy to feel an enormous amount of sympathy given his past. Furthermore, as [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] has already mentioned; he shouldn't be fighting at this stage of his career and while the sport is more regulated then ever, we could certainly improve to stop the likes of Stevenson getting in the ring and taking on such world level opposition which he had avoided during his prime. Ali continued despite the findings of medical experts and due to all the money involved, higher ups sanctioned fights which had such a lasting effect.

I don't expect everyone to understand and see the POV from the outside where two men lace a pair and pummel each other, but these people are not just any normal folk; they are trained to compete at the highest level, there is a ref involved and more often then not it's an even playing field in terms of weight so one opponent is not handicapped. Now if someone like me or you would just show up with little training and take on a pro fighter, we would be at severe risk but the sport of Boxing doesn't allow such an uneven playing field. And while it is a contact sport, your mental and physical strength is tested; it's a chess match, at times a clash of styles and you actually need to use your intelligence to get the upper hand; it's not about anger, it's about controlling your emotion, staying calm under pressure and executing a game plan or adapting if necessary.

Boxing is a metaphor for life itself and a very beautiful sport, it saves lives including my own. It's therapy for those who go through the lowest of lows, it boosts your confidence and exorcises all the demons within you; it's not even about sparring or getting in the ring itself at times, you may not prefer to even indulge in the combat but the training will give you purpose and bring back your greatest love, the love for ones self in this superficial world. Many a time you have stray youngsters who through no fault of their own quiet often get caught up in a world they shouldn't when they are isolated, how do we heal that pain ? Boxing is the answer and I believe it should be a part of the national curriculum in the UK, crime would also reduce and as silly as it may sound to many, the sport actually teaches self control more then a useless session with some psychologist who will talk some rubbish for an hour and earn a big pay check for it.

Tyson Fury is just an amazing example of what the sport can do for you more recently, you have a man that was 10 stone overweight, mentally ill and literally on the brink. He was also fed up with the sport but it's that old spark and love for Boxing which bought him back to life, the way he arose from the dead in Round 12 is a symbol in many ways of his rise and fall. So while people will hold various views, that's is fine by me; but all I ask is please join your local community Boxing gyms before you make any judgements.

 

[DeadBall]

I have come to realize that I have no problem with boxing as it is in our animal nature and if we even banned, it will carry on underground, maybe with even more success, no matter what. Just don't make it into this noble thing about human spirit and survival and what not. Most of these people wouldn't even be in this "sport" if they weren't psychopaths "alpha" males or people who were forced in this system due to circumstances and lack of other outlets. 9 out of 10 people if they would have the option would not choose this career if they had better options, apart of course from the ones overdosing on testosterone who can make their own leagues and beat the hell out of each other.

Just don't give it this noble angle. Tyson Fury could have done a lot of other things to get out of his depression, loose weight and motivate the youth instead of telling them the best way is to bash each others heads in. As if the young weren't that impressed by violence anyway. Yeah, he's an inspiration to all.

 

[shaz619]

I have come to realize that I have no problem with boxing as it is in our animal nature and if we even banned, it will carry on underground, maybe with even more success, no matter what. Just don't make it into this noble thing about human spirit and survival and what not. Most of these people wouldn't even be in this "sport" if they weren't psychopaths "alpha" males or people who were forced in this system due to circumstances and lack of other outlets. 9 out of 10 people if they would have the option would not choose this career if they had better options, apart of course from the ones overdosing on testosterone who can make their own leagues and beat the hell out of each other.

Just don't give it this noble angle. Tyson Fury could have done a lot of other things to get out of his depression, loose weight and motivate the youth instead of telling them the best way is to bash each others heads in. As if the young weren't that impressed by violence anyway. Yeah, he's an inspiration to all.

The thing is, if we look beyond the insecurities then our eyes would open beyond a very narrow minded view. If the sport is for the out casts of society entirely and it ends up changing their life for the better what is wrong with that? But you're wrong anyway with that assumption, Nathan Cleverly was a Mathematics graduate but he opted for a career in sport. But demonising those individuals is quiet petty and it's a big generalisation, it's like me saying all those who are of the Muslim faith are terrorists or are guilty by association due to the actions of ISIS; bit silly isn't it? We just have to look at Manny Pacquiao, he had the misfortune of growing up in severe poverty, he ran away from home because his dad ate his dog for dinner and was scratching and clawing on the streets trying to make a living selling donuts; then he came across Boxing and his life would never be the same again, furthermore he is one of the worlds biggest humanitarians when you look what he has done to combat poverty in the Philippines, Muhammad Ali and Amir Khan are other examples, in terms of not only making their own lives better but helping those who are less fortunate as well.

Speaking of Tyson Fury, he isn't saying get up and bash others heads; am sure Allah has blessed you with a brain which gives you the capability to have a much better understanding. Tyson's journey is something millions have taken inspiration from and applied it to their own struggles, now these people are not fighters; they are individuals who may have experienced the same issues e.g being mentally ill, having suicidal thoughts, not being in the best state and going through a severe low in life; Tyson's message is simple, if you seek professional help, support from your close ones, open up about things which are considered taboo and set yourself goals/ targets etc you can get better and turn a corner, with Tyson having gone through the issues he has, just being back in the ring was a monumental achievement and to see him compete at the highest level testing himself mentally and physically was nothing short of inspirational, but if you take from all of this go bash your heads etc then maybe you should go seek specialist help.

 

[shaz619]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An open letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/DickinsonTimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DickinsonTimes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimesSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/QpdIaTBQQR">pic.twitter.com/QpdIaTBQQR</a></p>— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/frankwarren_tv/status/1071077161287725062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/DickinsonTimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DickinsonTimes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimesSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/lMdygbWwHZ">pic.twitter.com/lMdygbWwHZ</a></p>— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/frankwarren_tv/status/1071077542629658625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you watch anything today then make sure it's this short interview with Tyson Fury <br><br>30 seconds straight down the camera, straight from the heart of <a href="https://twitter.com/Tyson_Fury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tyson_Fury</a>... <a href="https://t.co/vgZOag6t3b">pic.twitter.com/vgZOag6t3b</a></p>— BT Sport (@btsport) <a href="https://twitter.com/btsport/status/1069164031154507776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[MENTION=136729]Suleiman[/MENTION] [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] [MENTION=142288]TQ89[/MENTION]

 

[DeadBall]

but if you take from all of this go bash your heads etc then maybe you should go seek specialist help.

You cannot reply without getting personal can you?

Ok, I will take your advice and go seek specialist help like your favourite boxer, take up boxing, bash in heads and inspire millions.

 

[shaz619]

You cannot reply without getting personal can you?

Ok, I will take your advice and go seek specialist help like your favourite boxer, take up boxing, bash in heads and inspire millions.

I wasn't getting personal, that's just my opinion in response to what you've posted which lacks objectivity and contained all kinds of school boy insults. Yeah maybe I will, you go watch movies for children instead

 

[Suleiman]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An open letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/DickinsonTimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DickinsonTimes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimesSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/QpdIaTBQQR">pic.twitter.com/QpdIaTBQQR</a></p>— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/frankwarren_tv/status/1071077161287725062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/DickinsonTimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DickinsonTimes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesSport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimesSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/lMdygbWwHZ">pic.twitter.com/lMdygbWwHZ</a></p>— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/frankwarren_tv/status/1071077542629658625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you watch anything today then make sure it's this short interview with Tyson Fury &#55357;&#56908;<br><br>30 seconds straight down the camera, straight from the heart of <a href="https://twitter.com/Tyson_Fury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tyson_Fury</a>... <a href="https://t.co/vgZOag6t3b">pic.twitter.com/vgZOag6t3b</a></p>— BT Sport (@btsport) <a href="https://twitter.com/btsport/status/1069164031154507776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


[MENTION=136729]Suleiman[/MENTION] [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] [MENTION=142288]TQ89[/MENTION]

Yeah man it’s crazy. I watched the video already few hours after the match, but those responses show what a character and fighter he is. He said before the match that I’m doing this for everyone who has struggled with mental illness before, it eerily ties with him getting up in the 12th deadman style for his fans.

Hope he gets a rematch and fairytale ending.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Yeah man it’s crazy. I watched the video already few hours after the match, but those responses show what a character and fighter he is. He said before the match that I’m doing this for everyone who has struggled with mental illness before, it eerily ties with him getting up in the 12th deadman style for his fans.

Hope he gets a rematch and fairytale ending.

Yes imporant message from Tyson, he has given a lot of people a lot hope. [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

The WBC have sanctioned the re-match so Im sure it will happen now. Most likey in Vegas around May. I think Tyson will knock Wilder out to win next time.

 

[MenInG]

Boxer Patrick Day is in an "extremely critical condition" after his defeat by Charles Conwell in Chicago.

The 27-year-old American is in a coma with "a traumatic brain injury", said his promoter.

Day was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after being knocked out in the 10th round of his super welterweight bout on the undercard of the Oleksandr Usyk-Chazz Witherspoon fight in the US.

"Pat makes any room he is in a better place," said promoter Lou DiBella.

"I've never met anyone who's met Patrick and not liked him. Never heard him utter a mean word. Never seen him greet someone without a big smile. Life doesn't seem fair sometimes.

"Please keep Pat in your prayers, thoughts and hearts."

Day was taken from the ring on a stretcher on Saturday.

British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn wrote on social media: "Deepest prayers with Patrick right now."

His company, Matchroom Boxing, which organised the event, also posted to say Day had "been taken directly to hospital".

Speaking after the fight, 21-year-old American Conwell told IFL TV: "I give my blessings and concerns to him and his team. I hope he is OK. I know he is a great person."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/50031950

 

[MenInG]

What a strange sport where the objective is to hurt the other - and then crocodile tears when someone gets seriously hurt

 

[KingKhanWC]

What a strange sport where the objective is to hurt the other - and then crocodile tears when someone gets seriously hurt

There has been some really good explanations in this thread. Boxing can be dangerous but there are more dangerous sports. People will always fist fight so banning boxing would only increase deaths as this will go underground with no safety regulations in place.

Boxing has saved 1000's x more lives than it has taken. It has changed millions of people to be better human beings. Its the greatest individual sport in the world.

 

[leonidas_alexandar]

Just traumatic to read about these things. Boxing is an evil sport.

I will be brutally honest with you - occasionally when I read about these things - involuntarily I do question myself when I buy the PPV's for UFC fights - if I am doing something morally wrong.

Eventually I do realize that these are 2 individuals who have volunteered - out of their own volition to fight knowing fully well the risks - and they are trained to not only fight but also to defend themselves.

I am going to take the example of fast bowling in cricket not as a logical extension of this argument - but to merely animate the idea that I am going to propose.

Cricket of course is not aimed at physically harming each other but when it comes to fast bowling - we know that most fast bowlers have this killer instinct to intimidate the batsmen to the point where they are even okay with the idea of harming the batsmen. Unfortunately we have had cases where batsmen have actually died or get seriously injured - however rare an occurrence that may have been. But there have never been calls for fast bowlers to reduce their pace because there is this remote possibility that batsmen might get injured. Same is with the fielders fielding for example at the short leg position where Raman Lamba ended up dying after being hit by a ferocious pull shot by the batsman.

The point is there are risks involved in any physical sport. It is the degree that varies. The players have accepted them and have taken a decision to get involved in these and physical injuries unfortunately come with the territory.

All I am worried about is - if the organization overseeing the sport is being willfully negligent in avoiding preventable deaths.

Also the cornermen of the fighters should not hesitate to throw in the towel if they can clearly see that the fighter is receiving unacceptable punishment without defending himself. The referee also plays a crucial role in knowing when to stop a fight. There are many variables and bottom line is in a sport like boxing or mixed martial arts - injuries will happen.

More to the point - I hope the fighter in question makes full recovery.

 

[sweep_shot]

Boxing is fine but ensure vital body parts are protected.

Some sort of head protection must be mandatory (even if it looks awkward).

 

[MenInG]

Boxer Charles Conwell has written an emotional letter to his injured opponent Patrick Day as he fights for his life after their bout in Chicago.

Day, 27, is in a coma in "an extremely critical condition" after suffering a serious brain injury.

He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital after a 10th-round knockout in the super-welterweight fight.

"I never meant this to happen to you, all I wanted to do was win," wrote Day's American compatriot Conwell, 21.

"If I could take it all back, I would. No-one deserves this to happen to them."

Conwell posted a link to the letter on social media with the hashtag #champpatrickday.

He said this would be the last time he spoke on the matter because it was "a sensitive topic" for Day's family and friends, himself and the sport of boxing.

"I replay the fight over and over in my head thinking what if this never happened and why did it happen to you," said Conwell.

"I can't stop thinking about it myself. I prayed for you so many times and shed so many tears because I couldn't even imagine how my family and friends would feel.

"I see you everywhere you go and all I hear is wonderful things about you.

"I thought about quitting boxing but I know that's not what you would want.

"I know that you were a fighter at heart so I decided not to, and to fight and win a world title because that's what you wanted and that's what I want so I will use you as motivation every day and make sure I leave it all in the ring every time."

He signs off with "#ChampPatrickDay. With compassion. Charles Conwell."

Day's coach Joe Higgins replied: "Thank you for your kind words. Patrick was born across the street from me so our relationship is special.

"He would have wanted you to continue. I'm am rooting for you to reach your dream, the same one he had.

"I too am distraught because I feel responsible but do realise there is no fault. Stay strong and please don't think we blame you."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/50052425

 

[Uzi]

Boxer Patrick Day has died aged 27 - four days after suffering a brain injury in a fight against Charles Conwell.

The American was put into a coma on Saturday after he was knocked out in the 10th round of his super welterweight bout in Chicago.

Promoter Lou DiBella confirmed Day had died on Wednesday "surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team".

"He was a son, brother, and good friend to many," said a statement.

"Pat's kindness, positivity, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression with everyone he met."

Day was taken from the ring on a stretcher after the conclusion of the fight on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk's heavyweight victory over Chazz Witherspoon in the US.

"Patrick Day didn't need to box," the statement from DiBella Entertainment continued. "He came from a good family, he was smart, educated, had good values and had other avenues available to him to earn a living.

"He chose to box, knowing the inherent risks that every fighter faces when he or she walks into a boxing ring. Boxing is what Pat loved to do. It's how he inspired people and it was something that made him feel alive."

Fellow American Conwell, 21, wrote an emotional letter to Day following the fight.

"I never meant this to happen to you, all I wanted to do was win," he said.

"If I could take it all back, I would. No-one deserves this to happen to them."

Day won 17 of his 22 fights, with four defeats and one draw.

In July, Russia's Maxim Dadashev and Argentina's Hugo Santillan both died following injuries sustained during fights.

"It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this," the statement continued.

"This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available. It is, however, a time for a call to action.

"While we don't have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them, and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate.

"This is a way we can honour the legacy of Pat Day. Many people live much longer than Patrick's 27 years, wondering if they made a difference or positively affected their world. This was not the case for Patrick Day when he left us."

'A brave, kind and wonderful friend' - the boxing world reacts
Boxing announcer Michael Buffer was among the first to pay tribute to Day, describing him as a "wonderful young man", before adding "everyone in the boxing community is crushed".

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said boxing had lost a "brave, kind and wonderful friend".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/50066825

Tragic. RIP

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Boxers are like race car drivers, they both know the risks of their sports, and would not want others to be hampered by their demise, which happens usually in a freak accident every 15 years or so.

 

[MenInG]

Boxers are like race car drivers, they both know the risks of their sports, and would not want others to be hampered by their demise, which happens usually in a freak accident every 15 years or so.

But its us, spectators, who egg them on to take those risks.

 

[Robert]

Boxing gives discipline to a lot of lads who would otherwise drift into crime due to high testosterone levels. Sadly some will get hurt but society gains as a whole by channeling aggression in a controlled way.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

What a strange sport where the objective is to hurt the other - and then crocodile tears when someone gets seriously hurt

This is a harsh but accurate statement.

The whole point of boxing is to hurt your opponent more then he/she can hurt you.

So why the shock when someone ends up in hospital or dies?

I don’t think it should be banned though as the participants are adults and are fully aware of what they’re getting themselves into.

That said, surely the authorities could do more to make the sport safer. For example, why not make boxers have a brain scan before extending their licence to fight? If a boxer already has the beginning signs of brain damage then they shouldn’t be allowed to fight professionally again.

 

[in_cutter]

Introduce protection like they do in amateur boxing

 

[in_cutter]

 

[MenInG]

Promoter Eddie Hearn has broken down in tears in paying tribute to American fighter Patrick Day and says boxing must unite to make the sport safer.

Day died at the age of 27 on Wednesday, four days after suffering a brain injury in a 10th-round stoppage defeat by Charles Conwell in Chicago.

The bout took place on a bill promoted by Hearn's Matchroom Boxing USA.

After becoming upset, Hearn told IFL TV: "You can say 'it's boxing' but it is so hard to justify."

"It has been a rough year for the sport. We need to make sure we get together as a community, we keep trying to evolve, we keep trying to make the sport safer.

"There are so many things we can look at as a community, particularly [brain] scans. One of the issues is the frequency of scans in my opinion. You can have a yearly scan but sometimes it doesn't take into account the fights you have had since that scan."

BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing's Steve Bunce and Mike Costello, and American boxer Regis Prograis have all had their say on how boxing can be made safer.

'Indefensible' boxing saves lives too
Day's is the fourth death in boxing in recent months, following the passing of Russian Maxim Dadashev, Argentina's Hugo Santillan and Bulgaria's Boris Stanchov.

Bunce said: "I have been ringside in the last 30 years for half a dozen deaths and maybe 12 or 15 other fights where boxers have been rushed to emergency procedures.

"I have been in waiting rooms, I've been there when doctors have told loved ones that their son, husband and father has died. I have been there when guys have been given no chance and pulled through after six or seven weeks in a coma.

"I have studied it, its an odd business and I love it, it's what I do for a living but at the same time it is a sport that is indefensible. But, at the same time, boxing and boxers make perfect sense to me.

"I genuinely cannot see, I have wracked my brains, to come up with anything that can make boxing safer. In Britain, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) have the worlds's finest safety measures yet we still have deaths. It is that simple, there is nothing that can be done.

"It's when you go and meet people at a gym in the worst part of a city and you take their testimony of how this sport has saved their life. That may sound like cliche rubbish and I understand how it looks but that is the bottom line. Unless you are in the business, you can't understand it. But I am not defending it, it is impossible to do so."

'The sport can not be 100% safe'
Bunce questions whether the idea of scanning fighters before each fight is viable given the costs involved in doing so but says clamping down on white collar boxing events - where competitors pay to fight - would be a step forward.

His 5 Live colleague - BBC Boxing correspondent Costello - also said the cost of head scans at every fight night would prove an issue and said fighters policing their own health can prove a key intervention.

Costello said: "If they feel rough, have headaches then don't fight. Unfortunately they get this buzz, this addiction and this opportunity they have to change their life, sometimes it can be the ending of a life."

Day's fatal bout was sanctioned by the State of Illinois commission and Hearn praised the speed with which oxygen was administered and how Day was treated before being rushed to hospital.

The BBBofC - who sanction the majority of fights in the UK - has stringent rules in place stating a fighter must pass an annual medical - which includes an MRI scan - and also ensures fight nights meet rules.

The organisation's chairman Robert Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We work very hard to make the sport as safe as possible but as I have always said, we cannot make the sport 100% safe.

"The medial provisions changed over the last number of years have been immense. But when a boxer gets in the ring he understands the risk and that doesn't make it right when things go wrong.

"Every boxer will have an annual medical which will cover your brain scans, MRI, bloods, physical examinations, eye tests, etc. Before every bout you are medically examined to make sure you are fit. After the bout you are examined again and if a doctor has any doubts he can put conditions on you boxing again in the future, so it's very strict.

"Ultimately, it is very difficult to stop these things happening. If you think about the amount of contests and tournaments that take place throughout the world, the number of incidents is relatively small. That doesn't make it right."

Day - who was degree educated - started boxing at the age of 14 and had lost three of his 21 fights before facing unbeaten Conwell.

The New York-born fighter was knocked down in the fourth, eighth and 10th rounds in Chicago and suffered seizures on his way to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he underwent brain surgery.

Those closest to him - including promoter Lou DiBella - said his fighter "didn't need to box", but did so for the love of it.

YouTube videos of Day speaking before his debut in 2013 capture him stating he took up the sport because he wanted to "have something to do" and that he was a "kid who wanted to be part of something".

American fighter Prograis, who is in the UK to face Scotland's Josh Taylor in a super-lightweight world-title contest on 26 October, said he met Day on numerous occasions and claimed the late fighter was "always happy".

Prograis, 30, said Day's death underlined the dangers faced in the ring but gave 5 Live Boxing an insight into the mentality many competitors in the sport adopt in the face of danger.

"As fighters you feel like nothing can stop you," said Prograis.

"Sometimes you really feel like that, that you'd rather die in the ring. Hearing myself say it right now, it sounds crazy but when you're in there you feel like 'I'm not going to stop, you have to almost kill me to stop me'. That is the mindset of a fighter where in your heart you have that.

"I have kids, a family, people who love and depend on me but when you're in there it really does feel like none of that matters.

"This is not the person who will walk to the ring. The words I say now sound crazy but I know how I feel when I get in the ring. A lot of fighters bring that same mindset to the ring. But you do become a different person."

Calls for bans and a Day legacy
Brain injury charity Headway reiterated its stance on wanting boxing banned following Day's death, citing the cases of other fighters who have died in the ring in 2019.

After offering condolences and support to Day's family, the charity's chief executive Peter McCabe said: "How many more lives have to be needlessly damaged or lost before this senseless sport is banned?"

Countless fighters - past and present - have paid tribute to Day, including the likes of former world cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, who urged fighters not to "prolong your stay in the business", adding: "Get in and get out."

In confirming Day's death, his promoter DiBella said the tragedy can be a "call to action" to improve safety.

Hearn concluded: "Knowing what these guys give, we have to make sure as a sport we do better. We need to respect these fighters. There is no one to blame, it is a tragedy of the sport. We have to make sure the positive effect Patrick had on the community remains.

"The outpouring of love shows you the special person he was. He loved the sport, we love the sport but we must never take it, or the fighters, for granted."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/50080719

 

[The Viper]

Dereck Chisora v David Price: Chisora apologises for saying he will 'kill' opponent

British boxer Dereck Chisora has apologised for saying he is "going to kill" opponent David Price.

The comments came just eight days after American Patrick Day died aged 27 after suffering a brain injury in a fight.

Chisora, 35, said "I am going to murder this guy I swear down" at Thursday's news conference before the heavyweight fight on Saturday at the O2 Arena.

But afterwards, Chisora told BBC Sport: "I apologise for saying that. That was not my intention."

He added: "David is my boy, it's nothing like that. It just rolled off my tongue."

Day was put into a coma after he was knocked out in the 10th round of his super welterweight bout in Chicago against Charles Conwell on 12 October and died four days later.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, who was sat with Chisora at Thursday's news conference, broke down in tears last week when paying tribute to Day.

Saturday's bout will form part of the undercard to the world title fight between super-lightweights Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis, which is the final of the World Boxing Super Series.

Price stepped in when former world champion Joseph Parker withdrew following an illness he believes stemmed from a spider bite.

When discussing the fight, Chisora mimicked a sheep and said "that is a sheep going to the slaughterhouse and I am going to kill this guy".

He added: "I am going to murder this guy I swear down.

"I don't need to sell anything - you're not in my league. I am going to deck you down, you don't understand."

In response, Price, 36, said: "I know Dereck needs this to get himself up for this fight. That's sound. Because the last thing Dereck needs is to be shaking my hand.

"We do like each other and it's fine, but this is business, 100%."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/50174257

 

[PakLFC]

If they can wear head protection when sparring can do so during bouts as well.

 

[Realromeo]

Are head injuries acceptable in warfare ? Every boxer knows what they are getting into...