RESPECT CHISORA'S CHOICE TO FIGHT
I WOULD like Derek Chisora to retire. I too fear that these wars will haunt him in later years. However, at what point do we acknowledge his right to determine his own path through life and respect those decisions? Although taking blows to the head on TV is an extreme example, as a society we allow people to make decisions that are contrary to their long-term health in every aspect of life. The overwhelming narrative of “he should retire” continually drowns out his feats in the ring, which on this occasion was a very solid win. Derek does not strike me as a man who is easily influenced to do anything he does not want to. He’s surely been informed and educated of the risks at this point – let’s make sure we respect that as we sit down to watch his next fight.
Carl Watchorn
EMPATHETIC AND SELF-AWARE
YOU have kindly published a number of letters from me, an enthusiastic lay student of the sport, on notable boxing matches over the years. This week I would like, instead, to comment briefly on the editor’s courage, following his eloquent words in the July 14 issue on the fire-walk, in aid of Ringside Charitable Trust. In my view, the boxing world is a better place for having a man with his set of values. Matt is honest enough to admit that he not only wishes to help boxers, but also wants to ease his own conscience. If only more people were as empathetic and self-aware.
Gavin Littaur
DON'T BLAME BOXING
BOXING NEWS is still a great read but it really annoys me when I read boxing people talking about 'conscience' (Editor's Letter, July 14). In defending the sweet science, nobody forces a boxer into the ring. Whether it's for money or glory every boxer accepts the risks and shows the courage to fight for entertainment. That some middleaged ex-boxers struggle cannot be proved to be the fault of boxing, while millions of other people struggle who never boxed. Philip Poundes
WHICH EX-BOXERS SUFFER?
IT was great to see the article about the fire-walk for Ringside Charitable Trust. I think the problem is, when boxers finish, it's out of sight, out of mind. Perhaps BN
could publish a list of boxers who are down on their luck. Most fans think they make loads of money and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, it's not like that.
Chuck Glen
HANDS OFF THE REFEREE
THERE is no excuse for laying hands on the referee as was the case with Lennox Clarke. Such outbursts should get a “yellow card” short ban from the Board with a warning any further behaviour like that will be a “red card” longer expulsion from the sport.
Paul Thorpe